Mr. Cian Moloney:

We are not suggesting that higher levels of compensation will resolve people's concerns, but the reason this matter is raised is that when alternatives to overhead pylons are proposed, the reason offered against their use relates primarily to cost. The cost of above-ground pylons is far more than just the cost of physically locating them in the countryside. The project should be costed in its entirety, including in terms of the cost to communities, the depreciation in the value of property and land and the impact on tourism. If this is done, the cost of the alternatives to going above-ground will suddenly seem very viable indeed.

Without minimising the import of these issues, of particular concern to the people of Wexford is the potential impact a project of this nature may have on tourism in the south east. In recent years, great efforts have been made and many millions of euro have been invested in creating a tourism hub in the New Ross area. The town is now a base from which people can explore the entire south east. The proposed pylon routes cross every major route into and out of the town of New Ross and the visual impact cannot be underestimated. The proposals suggest cutting through areas protected under the county development plan, several areas in which schools are located and certain highly populated localities. At one point, the pylons will come within an estimated 500 m of the town of New Ross.

Other areas of Wexford will of course be affected. I can convey to members a resounding opposition to the proposed project on the part of the people of the county. I understand the committee is to be addressed by Mr. John O'Connor, who was nominated for the position of chairman of EirGrid by the Government. The members of the public with whom we have consulted are of the view that this is an incredibly poor decision, particularly when a project of this magnitude is in train and the intention of the company behind it is to bypass local authorities and apply directly to An Bord Pleanála for planning permission under the relevant legislation. This appointment should be reconsidered, if not for reasons of actual bias then for those of perceived bias. It has been suggested in the media that Mr. O'Connor's previous role in An Bord Pleanála was akin to that of a High Court judge. I presume this is to suggest that he is beyond reproach. The legal community has addressed a situation similar to this. Were a High Court judge to resume practice at the Bar, the code of conduct would come into play. Rule 5.21 of that code of conduct states: "A judge of the Irish Courts, following retirement or resignation, who returns to the Bar may not practice in a court of equal or lesser jurisdiction than-----"