Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The people of Meath and, I suppose, Cavan and Monaghan, are up in arms about this. They will be up in arms even more listening to what I would consider the clearest statement from EirGrid on the alternative of an underground option, as stated this morning by Mr. Slye. It could not be clearer. Mr. Slye has stated it here. That has changed incrementally over the past number of years.

The representatives from EirGrid made a clear statement to Deputy Moynihan the last time I was here. This did not exist in 2007. Apparently, we were told it could not be done. That is the clearest statement possible. The people of Meath will not accept anything less. That is a fact.

The opposition to this project is such that it is surely a factor in the cost calculations of EirGrid. The fact that this project has been delayed for eight years must surely be a major factor in terms of the additional costs that EirGrid has incurred, some of which are the fault of EirGrid and others that are through no fault of EirGrid. In any event, that cost is there and it will continue throughout an oral hearing. There was no word in County Meath about the east-west interconnector underground. I know some objected in north Dublin, perhaps, but not a word was said in County Meath. Generally, EirGrid has good relations with the community in that part of the county. That must count for something. It is in place for four or five years at this stage and it must be looked at. That must be the way to do it, instead of riling the people and creating considerable anger and unfairness in respect of how different parts of the country seem to be treated based, it seems to me, upon political representation.

I am keen to make another point. The Deputy from Limerick is Deputy Patrick O'Donovan. I should know him because at one time we appeared on the same episode of "Where in the World" some 20 years ago. We were against each other. That is a little known fact, but he reminded me of it some years ago. He made the point that there would be no benefit to the north east and that this was only benefiting Northern Ireland. I am keen to put on the record that I have no difficulty benefiting the North. Certainly, I support anything that can lead to better integration of the electricity market on this island and working towards an all-island electricity market. However, it cannot be done at the cost of an environmental, health, historical and heritage catastrophe. That must be taken into account. The people in Meath, myself included, demand that this be put underground.