Oireachtas members pylon pressure at EirGrid headquarters

» Mark Moloney

"We cannot support EirGrid’s determination to use over-ground pylons and wires for the entire length of these routes and to rule out the underground option."

OIREACHTAS members handed in a submission to EirGrid Headquarters in favour of underground cables instead of pylons for the south and south-east Grid Link project, as opposition grows to the plans across the affected communities.

There has been widespread debate and serious concern over proposals to extend the electricity network using hundreds of 45-metre tall pylons and high voltage power lines running through Leinster and Munster.

Sinn Féin representatives Senator David Cullinane, Sandra McLellan TD, Michael Colreavy TD and Brian Stanley TD handed in a submission to EirGrid headquarters in Ballsbridge on Thursday 21 November in support of underground cables instead of pylons.

They said this is "an alternative and sensible solution to transmitting electricity, it makes sense. Blotting the landscape with pylons does not." Concerns have also been raised on the impact of these pylons on landscape, tourism and the possibility of negative impact on agriculture.

Speaking after handing in the submission, Senator David Cullinane told An Phoblacht that while Sinn Féin supported the enhancement of the Grid Link project which will expand and improve the supply of electricity in the south and south-east regions:

"We cannot support EirGrid’s determination to use over-ground pylons and wires for the entire length of these routes and to rule out the underground option."

He says the project is "being forced through without any meaningful consultation with the affected communities."

Sinn Féin says it is seeking a meeting with EirGrid's CEO and other representatives to discuss their concerns in detail:

"The government and EirGrid must listen to the concerns of communities regarding this project and also listen to the very real and sustainable alternatives to overheard power lines."