Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Once again, the people of County Meath are being treated as second-class citizens by the Fine Gael-led Government. I refer to the announcement this morning by EirGrid, which I understand was tipped off to Fine Gael Deputies last night although they did not tell their constituents until a representative of EirGrid appeared on radio this morning. EirGrid now has decided there will not be undergrounding of pylons and power lines in the north east in counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan. This is despite a promise by the Fine Gael Party before the last election effectively to bury the cables and despite the fact it appears to be possible to bury the cables in the Taoiseach's constituency in County Mayo. I tell the Leader that the people of County Meath will not accept being treated as second-class citizens. It is wrong and unjust and they will not put up with it. It is essential that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources be brought into this House as soon as possible to discuss his plans and to tell Members why people in the north east in counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan are being treated as second-class citizens.