Byrne Objects To Govt U-Turn On Meath Pylons

Senator Thomas Byrne has voiced his strong objections to the Government's proposal o install huge overhead power lines across County Meath.

The Meath Senator has hit out at Fine Gael and Labour for their massive u-turn on the issue. It follows confirmation from the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte that he has ordered Eirgrid to "proceed immediately to planning". Minister Rabbitte said the Government specifically "endorses, supports and promotes the strategic programmes of the energy infrastructure providers, particularly Eirgrid's Grid 25 investment programme".


Senator Byrne commented: "In opposition, Fine Gael and Labour were unrelenting of their criticism of Eirgrid and their plans to build overhead power lines through County Meath. Now they have completely changed their policies and are suddenly supportive of the plans.

"This planning battle has being going on for five years now. Now, this Government has committed to driving the project forward. It is yet another blatant broken promise by Fine Gael and Labour, and once again the people of Co Meath have been let down," said Senator Byrne.

(CD/GK)