Cllr calls for inquiry over interconnector costs

The “colossal” cost to taxpayers of the long-running North South Interconnector project should now be examined through a public inquiry, a Cavan councillor has said.

The call came from Clifford Kelly of Fianna Fáil during the March meeting of Cavan County Council.

His comments followed a recent meeting between the council executive and officials from EirGrid and ESB Networks, where the organisations outlined the regional and national importance of the planned electricity infrastructure upgrade.

Director of Services Brendan Jennings confirmed the meeting took place on February 24, during which EirGrid representatives said the aim of the interconnector was to guarantee a secure electricity supply.

Officials also outlined other planned network upgrades, including proposals to develop new electricity substations near Cavan Town.

EirGrid also plans to hold similar meetings with officials in Monaghan and Meath, counties also affected by the proposed route.

However, Cllr Kelly said the project has already cost the public enormous sums over almost 25 years and questioned whether the full expenditure had ever been properly scrutinised.

Referring to a meeting in Donegal addressed by an EirGrid representative, he criticised organisers for not allowing questions from those present.

“That was a bloody disgrace,” he said.

Cllr Kelly also cited research he claimed suggested that undergrounding electricity cables can be as cost-effective as overhead lines, a central argument in long-running debates over the project.

He further pointed to a recent court ruling which determined that compensation payments can include depreciation in land value where electricity infrastructure crosses private property.

According to Cllr Kelly, that decision could significantly increase overall project costs, strengthening the case for a full public inquiry.