Fine Gael TD for Mayo, Michelle Mulherin, has this week highlighted the need for a study to be carried out to determine the pros and cons of locating power lines above and below ground, so that the public is fully informed in an open and transparent manner. Deputy Mulherin was speaking following the appearance by Eirgrid at the recent Joint Oireachtas Transport and Communications Committee.
She said: “Eirgrid attended the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications recently and I asked the CEO, Fintan Slye, to prepare a document setting out the pros and cons of locating pylons above and below ground. The pros and cons should take into account the cost, technology, health, and environmental impact, visual amenity, and tourism point of view, energy security, accessibility, and business impact for each project under GRID 25, including Grid West, so that consultation with the public is with reference to all options, rather than just about Eirgrid’s preferred proposal of locating them above ground. There is broad agreement about the need for proper modern electricity infrastructure. The serious difference arises in opinion on how this is to be achieved. You do not have to be an expert to recognise that pylons have a downside from the point of view of tourism and visual amenity in areas they are constructed. However Eirgrid are the experts, the semi State company charged with building out the electricity grid. It is their job to consult properly and set out the various options. This has not been done and their engagement to date has been perceived by affected communities as not meaningful and high handed.”
She added: “Mr Slye acknowledged that despite Eirgrid's best efforts to date in consulting with affected communities they are now recognising that it is not adequate in addressing the appetite among the public to understand all issues involved, and he undertook to give my suggestion serious consideration. I welcome this and I believe that by conducting this study, it will greatly assist the public in understanding which are the best options available. Eirgrid has so far taken the wrong approach in how it has consulted with the public, and I believe that my suggestion is an opportunity for them to rectify that and engage with the public in right manner.”
