Published: Wednesday, 16th December, 2009 5:00pm
EirGrid to lodge pylons plan
by Michael Cryan
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Eirgrid is finalising its planning application for the 400kV Meath-Tyrone Interconnection Development Project, which will run high-powered pylons through counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan. The company has confirmed to The Anglo-Celt that it will submit the application directly to An Bord Pleanála in the coming days under Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) legislation.The process also provides for a statutory consultation period of seven weeks, which ends on March 12. Recognising that the Christmas break is almost upon us, EirGrid has asked An Bord Pleanála that the statutory consultation period would commence only in the New Year and that the consultation period could be extended by at least a further ten weeks.
In a statement, the company said: "We are pleased to say that An Bord Pleanála has acceded to this request. The Environmental Impact Statement will be available to download online and be on display in several venues throughout Meath, Cavan and Monaghan, as soon as the planning application is made. This information will be publicised widely through local press and radio as soon as the application is lodged."
Eirgrid has published a detailed planning notice on page 18 of today's The Anglo-Celt.
Meanwhile, the North East Pylon Pressure (NEPP) Group is claiming that the pending application by EirGrid for planning approval for giant pylons and high voltage overhead power lines in the North East "changes nothing".
The lobby group is now calling on the county councils to make submissions expressing their opposition to pylons and in favour of the underground alternative.
The NEPP campaign was formed in October 2007 and claims to represent more than 45,000 people in counties Monaghan, Meath and Cavan.
Eirgrid claims that undergrounding is cost prohibitive and restrictive for maintenance work. There are many conflicting reports published on the issue of overground versus underground cabes - commissioned by groups on both sides of the debate.
