Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

The Minister should listen to Professor O'Carroll. The people of Meath are confused at this stage because the Fianna Fáil Deputies in Meath have made public statements that Fianna Fáil wants the line put underground but the Government will not allow it. The Minister, Deputy Cowen, also commented this morning. I am not sure who is in government.

I hope the Minister will meet the groups involved. The people of Meath want the extra power supply but they are clearly saying they want the power line put underground. Nine miles of cable was put underground in Cork last year and this has also been done in other countries. Power lines will be laid from Wales to Ireland and from Rush to Dunshaughlin, which are to be put underground. Why can lines in the rest of the country not be put underground?

While this will build slowly, there is no doubt it will become a national issue. I am surprised by the fact that 300 to 400 people are attending meetings in every parish. They include people from Fianna Fáil, the Green Party, Sinn Féin, the Labour Party and Fine Gael. To a person, they are saying they have had enough and want answers. The manner in which Eirgrid tried to ram this down our throats is not acceptable.

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