Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

A Government-commissioned report back in 2017 described the undergrounding of the North-South interconnector as feasible. Indeed, it said it was a credible option, but that part of the report has been ignored and, instead, EirGrid and the Government are proceeding with a plan to erect pylon-supported overhead power lines through five counties. EirGrid and its agents are currently trying to engage with landowners across counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath but we are told that the overwhelming majority of landowners are refusing to engage. They are stating that they will not allow this infrastructure on their lands.

I want to put it on the record and to put the Tánaiste on notice that the current approach is going to lead to huge conflict with local communities and the inevitable delay of the North-South interconnector. Therefore, I ask the Tánaiste to adhere to his own party's pre-election commitments to take the concerns of landowners and local communities and force a rethink on this issue because otherwise this interconnector is not going to be developed any time soon.

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