Tully angered at Ryan response on interconnector

A local Sinn Féin TD has expressed her anger at a response from the Communications Minister in relation to Eirgrid's North South Interconnector project.

Deputy Pauline Tully had asked Minster Eamon Ryan to establish a consultation process for the communities affected by the controversial pylons project with the option of undergrounding the high voltage power lines. She did so in view of the fact that communities affected by the proposed Kildare-Meath grid upgrade are being consulted on an underground option.

“Unfortunately and disgracefully, the Minister's response was dismissive of the difference in the way that the communities along the Kildare-Meath grid are being treated compared to the communities along the North-South Interconnector, arguing that projects are ‘not comparable’, citing the main difference as the ‘distance’ in the length of both projects,” contended Deputy Tully.

She argued that, if anything, there was a stronger case to be made for the North South interconnector because it is longer. It’s intended to build the 140km long, 400 kilovolt overhead line between counties Meath and Tyrone, running through Cavan and Monaghan, over the space of three years.

“Due to its length, [it] will be much more damaging and affect more communities. The distance of the project is also only one factor that should be considered. If it was felt necessary to give the option of undergrounding the Kildare-Meath grid project due to its potential health environmental, visual, social or economic impacts; then these need to be reassessed with regard to the north-south interconnector,” articulated Deputy Tully in a statement toThe Anglo-Celt.

She accused Minister Ryan of “seriously” underestimating the level of opposition to the over-grounding of the north-south interconnector and said the lines must be put under the ground.

“The technology is there, it’s entirely feasible, but the government is refusing to move on the issue,” said the Kilnaleck-based TD.

Given the “spectacular levels” of local opposition to pylons, Deputy Tully concluded: “Pursuing this option only serves to frustrate and anger rural communities who have expressed genuine fears in terms of health, visual amenities and the impact on local businesses, particularly in tourism and agriculture.”

The project has received planning permission south of the Border but permission for the northern segment of the line is facing a judicial review in Northern Ireland.