Brendan Smith TD

Interconnector study divisive and unacceptable - Fianna Fail

New studies into the proposed North-South electricity connector are inadequate and a dereliction of duty by Minister Naughten, according to Cavan Monaghan TD, Brendan Smith. Deputy Smith was reacting to news that a new study commissioned by Minister Naughten will examine compensation levels to landowners affected by the proposed overhead high voltage lines. Deputy Smith repeated his call to the Minister Naughten and the Department of energy to carry out a straight forward underground study for the proposed interconnector.

Constituency colleague, Niamh Smyth TD has also reacted to the news of the study, accusing the Minister of pulling a fast one, she claims the new study will divide communities by dangling the carrot of compensation in front of people. Deputy Smyth has called on Minister Naughten to go back to the drawing board, and initiate a detailed study and investigation into the health and agricultural or heritage concerns raised by local people. “These investigations would, I believe, clearly show that the undergrounding of the interconnector would serve the interests of local people and communities better,” concluded the deputy.

 

Minister Naughten indicated, in a written reply to parliamentary questions that the new study will examine “Levels of Compensation Provided to Land and Property Owners in Proximity to High-Voltage Transmission Lines in a European Context”, the minister said this study will provide a body of independent evidence about compensation levels across Europe and it will address one of the main concerns around the North-South interconnector, the impact such high voltage lines have on landscape, tourism etc. Another study reviewing the technical feasibility and cost of undergrounding the interconnector has been commissioned by Minister Naughten. Both Fianna Fail deputies, Niamh Smyth and Brendan Smith have accused the Minister of ignoring the valid concerns and worries of communities in Cavan, Monaghan and Meath.