Pylons row rages again

EirGrid is confident it will get the go ahead from An Bord Pleanála for the new north-south 400KV interconnector between Meath and Tyrone and they hope to commence work in early 2013. A senior project manager told The Anglo-Celt this week that the previously planned substation just outside Kingscourt is not expected to be required within the next decade. Aidan Geoghegan said that the company published a preliminary re-evaluation report on May 9 and is engaging in a non-statutory consultation providing all interested stake holders with an opportunity to give feedback before Eirgrid submits a fresh application for planning approval. The closing date for submissions has been extended to Friday, July 1. Their first application was withdrawn in June 2010 when it was sensationally revealed that the original planning notice, published as part of the public consultation process, had the incorrect height of the pylons to run through Cavan and Monaghan. For a full interview with Aidan Geoghegan, as well as a report from locals and a report from an Eirgrid presentation to Monaghan County Council on Monday, see this week's Anglo-Celt.