Eirgrid Fail To Listen To Community Demands - Carthy

Sinn Féin EU candidate, Matt Carthy, has hit out at EirGrid for again failing to listen to the demands and concerns of communities living along the route of the proposed North-South Interconnector.

Mr Carthy made his comments following the publication of EirGrid's proposed final line route for the scheme this week.

Councillor Carthy said: "Clearly the word consultation means nothing to EirGrid as they have completely disregarded and ignored the demands of the communities that the proposed lines be under-grounded.


"The genuine concerns expressed by residents who are expected to live along the routes of these power-lines over the impact on land values, agriculture, tourism and the potential consequences on human health are validated by international evidence.

"EirGrid has chosen to ignore these voices and have instead pressed on with their proposed route of overhead high-voltage power-lines despite the wishes of the communities affected.

"Undergrounding of the power-lines is the safest and best option and has been recognised by an International Expert Commission, employed by the government as 'a viable option'. It is my firm view that should EirGrid continue to pursue their current plans they will be costing themselves money, time and good-will."

(CD/JP)