Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, to say this is not related to Brexit or the EU is totally misleading and disingenuous. As the Minister knows, this is a project of common interest, as designated by the European Commission, so it clearly has strong European ties and links, regardless of the legislation.

Second, the Minister and EirGrid, as the semi-State body, must have regard to the fact it is now clear that a majority of Dáil Éireann does not support this project in the way it is envisaged. How can the Minister decide to stand over this when he knows the Dáil does not support it? Fianna Fáil has been extremely clear in its assertion that the underground option should be taken. I understand Sinn Féin takes the same position, as does the Minister's colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Regina Doherty. Clearly, there is no political support, so how can it proceed? At the very least, the Minister needs to obtain another proper, independent international study of this project in order to examine the merits of putting it underground.

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