Pylon Report due before cabinet

The international experts commissioned by Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, to report on the case for, and cost of, undergrounding all or part of the Meath-Tyrone 400KV power lines is expected to be finalised by the end of this week. A decision on whther the lines would be going underground or overground would then be made by the cabinet within the next three to four weeks, the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Shane McEntee, told a meeting of the North East Pylon Pressure (NEPP) campaign last week. Over 400 attended the meeting in the Ardboyne Hotel which sought an update from Fine Gael TDs on their election promises to reimburse costs associated with the collapsed Bord Pleanala Oral hearing into the project, caused by inaccurate information in the EirGrid planning application. Deputy Damien English said that they were still looking for the 'mechanism' which would allow costs to be covered. NEPP was informed in September 2010 by EirGrid that it was refusing to compensate NEPP for the significant costs incurred, outlining as part of its arguments that it needed to perform its duties economically and in a way that minimised costs. Padraig O'Reilly of NEPP told the meeting that reality is very different, and the lavish expenditure by EirGrid in many areas highlights issues of uncontrolled spending, unaccountable behaviour and a blatant attempt to use what is in essence taxpayers' funds to influence the same taxpayer's in favour of its Grid 25 projects. NEPPC has written to Eirgrid requesting details of its promotional expenditure in the last 12 months, but has yet to receive a response. He outlined a list of spending activities which he claimed provided examples of the promotional expenditure by EirGrid on sponsorships and programmes that are totally unrelated to its functions and duties. NEPP outlined to the large audience the justification as to why the request for reimbursement was reasonable, achievable and necessary. The urgency of delivering on the commitment was also highlighted, given the likely resubmission by EirGrid prior to this Christmas. NEPP stated its concerns, however, that Fine Gael was dragging its heels in terms of delivering on this issue. This was strenuously denied by the Fine Gael TDs, with Damien English, Ray Butler and Shane McEntee reiterating that the commitment would be honoured and that every effort was being made to do this as soon as possible. "The only issue at the moment is not the commitment itself, but finding the right mechanism to allow it being delivered' stated Damien English. A number of contributions from the floor encouraged Fine Gael to resolve this aspect sooner rather than later. "We welcome the restating by Fine Gael of their commitment to ensure NEPP is reimbursed for oral hearing costs incurred prior to EirGrid's planning application withdrawal," stated Aimée Treacy, NEPP chairperson. In preparing its report on the undergrounding issue, the Expert Commission will review expert literature already available both in Ireland and internationally in relation to undergrounding high voltage power lines; consider the route or routes proposed by EirGrid; examine the case for and cost of undergrounding all or part of the Meath-Tyrone 400KV line; consult with EirGrid, the North East Pylon Pressure Committee and the County Monaghan Anti Pylon Committee, and other bodies or organisations it sees fit. The case for the actual provision of the Meath-Tyrone power line is not subject to review. "NEPPCstrongly welcomes this initiative. Our policy has from the outset been founded on the use of new technological advances to achieve undergrounding of the North-South interconnector," stated Aimée Treacy."But until such time as this is Government policy NEPP has to remain vigilant and plan on having to yet again challenge EirGrid's new planning application in the near future. To do this professionally and effectively requires delivering on the reimbursement commitment," she stated. An update meeting on progress by Fine Gael will be held at the same venue on Monday 28th November.