Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

When this was first presented as an element of a single electricity market, I do not think the people of County Meath were aware of the contribution they were going to make. That is why the controversy arose.

People perceive underground transmission as working very well in historic and residential areas. Has EirGrid whetted the appetite for underground transmission by allowing people to see that it is much nicer than using poles? As Deputy Colreavy noted, it affects the value of properties nearby. People see that as a positive benefit, and they contrast the legislative requirement for a pole with these miniature factories scattered across the country.

As a former director of Bord Fáilte, I am aware of our efforts to promote Ireland as a green destination. This is particularly important because we are never going to attract visitors on the basis of our climate alone. Pylons and other electricity infrastructure constitute a major detracting factor and we, as a committee, will have to decide whether it is worth paying X% more for electricity to retain Ireland's green environment.