Ryan challenged over North South Interconnector

The controversial north-south interconnector remains firmly on the government agenda as the new Minister for Climate Action said in the Dail last week, it was of “critical importance for the island of Ireland” and ruled out a further review of the project.

Minister Eamon Ryan's comments led to a warning by the North East Pylon Pressure Group that he leading to “a collision course between the public and EirGrid.

“Bear in mind land access was not part of the planning approval,” said spokesman Padraig O'Reilly.

He also called on Fianna Fail to clarify their stance on undergrounding of the power lines, given the partry's previous position tfat undergrounding was the only way forward.

Deputy Darren O’Rourke had challenged the new Minister, Eamon Ryan on the controversial pylon scheme, expressing concern at the impact it would have on communities in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.

He told the Minister that the plans for hundreds of pylons and 400KV power lines cutting through counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan, had been met with spectacular levels of local opposition, and that this project simply won’t proceed in its current form due to the massive local opposition.

Minister Ryan said he believed it could be built in a way that protected health, which is the first priority in any instance.

“It can deliver economic benefits, particularly in those counties each side of the border. Where it has been difficult to get employment this will bring other ancillary benefits.,” the Minister said.

Deputy O'Rourke said: “The new Minister is set to repeat the mistakes of his predecessors. I warned him that this approach simply won’t work. He is on a collision course with local communities.

“At the heart of this issue is the fundamental principle of public participation in decision making.

“Without community engagement, approval and buy-in to major projects, the government will end up in the same situation every time, fighting with local communities for years, wasting millions of euro and getting nowhere.”

He said the communities in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan don’t want hundreds of pylons and high voltage power lines running through their areas.

“We have consistently said this interconnector should be put underground. “The technology is there, it’s entirely feasible, but the government is refusing to move on the issue.

“By undergrounding the interconnector, the two grids on our island can be connected in a way that delivers benefits for the entire island, whilst also having the consent of communities along the route,” he said.

Mr O'Reilly noted that the Minister’s statements were economics driven, with no respect for those affected or for the impact on the countryside.