David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There have been many public meetings in counties Waterford and Kilkenny and elsewhere about the proposed route. Does the Minister agree that tourism could be curtailed if the landscape is blighted with these pylons, especially in the Comeragh area in County Waterford? Does he further agree that householders and landowners could experience a reduction in the value of their properties if unsightly pylons are erected up to 50 m from private dwellings and livestock holding areas? The Minister will agree there are large farming counties and highly populated areas with livestock and wildlife habitats along this route. How will they be protected? Does he concur that the proposed pylons would represent a blot on the landscape? What supports will be put in place to help communities make submissions, especially when the proposals go to An Bord Pleanála, but also to propose alternatives to overhead power lines? Why is the underground option not being examined by the company or supported by Government?