Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

The Minister stated that the independent expert panel is examining this matter. Many people throughout the country are concerned about the actual independence of the panel. That concern arises for two reasons in particular. In the first instance, the panel is being advised and provided with technical, financial and engineering information by EirGrid. There is a significant lack of confidence regarding the latter being in a position to provide independent advice and expertise to the panel. The process of consultation used by EirGrid up to now has been flawed. A further difficulty arises in that the panel will be making recommendations to the Minister, Deputy White. His predecessor made it quite clear that he was wedded to the option of using overhead pylons. Will the Minister confirm that he has an open mind, that he is not wedded to the latter option and that he is prepared to consider the undergrounding of cables?

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