Sinn Féin has described the approval of the construction of 299 pylons in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan as "devastating".
The party's TDs Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Peadar Tóibín said they are bringing the issue to the Dáil floor in the New Year.
Deputy Ó Caoláin said: "We are committed to continue with our opposition and are once again calling on the government and all parties and independent Dáil and Seanad representatives to join us in supporting the underground approach that already has the signalled support of many of those directly affected."
An Teachta Tóibín added: "While there is a real need to strengthen supply of electricity north and south, the decision not to construct this interconnector underground is disastrous.
"Residents of Meath will now be exposed to 45 meter high pylons some of which will be only 50 metres from people's homes, and the potential health risks associated with this exposure.
"Studies have proved the increase in carcinogens when in proximity to the electromagnetic fields from power lines. Indeed, the European Commission's SCENIHR found that 'the previous conclusion that ELF magnetic fields are a possible carcinogen, chiefly based on childhood leukaemia results, is still valid.'
"There are additional concerns - families are terrified that they will be trapped living beside this industrial sized pylons unable to sell their houses due to a collapse in the price of their homes. Businesses in the county are also worried. Tourism, agriculture, and our blood stock sectors are all feel threatened by these over ground pylons.
"Eirgrid had stated originally that the cost of undergrounding the cable would be 25 times that of erecting overground pylons. This simply does not hold true. The Grid 25 review strategy document shows that the cost of undergrounding has reduced close to 1.5 times as compared to the cost of overhead lines."
Fianna Fáil TD for Meath East Thomas Byrne said: "People living in Meath have not been treated equally as the development of new transmission lines in other parts of the country are proceeding with the lines being placed underground. However Meath residents keep being told that the North South Interconnector has to be developed over ground. Why should different standards have to apply for the people of Meath?
"Eirgrid itself has admitted that the cost of laying the cables underground has been vastly reduced. The cost of placing them underground has fallen by 20 times the original cost down to 1.5 times that cost. Technology is also becoming more advanced over time and the costs of undergrounding will continue to fall.
"Eirgrid must focus its energy on advancing the project on the basis of placing the interconnector underground instead of going against the wishes of the local community at every opportunity. Belgium and Germany recently agreed a similar project between their two countries which will proceed with the transmission lines being placed underground. The same should happen with the North – South Interconnector."
(CD/LM)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Construction News
22/12/2016
SF 'Devastated' Following Approval Of Pylons In Meath, Cavan And Monaghan
Latest Construction News
15/11/2024
An emergency road closure has been announced following serious structural integrity concerns of the former Antrim Arms Hotel building on Castle Street in Ballycastle. Following genuine fears surrounding the safety of the building's structure, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have ...
15/11/2024
A pre-design public consultation for the Dublin-based College Green - Dame Street Public Realm Project has been launched. The proposal to remodel College Green and Dame Street is a joint initiative by Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority. The project aims to transform Dublin's ...
15/11/2024
A new plan which aims to fill vacant homes and revitalise derelict buildings has been proposed by Ireland's Green Party. The Dereliction and Building Regeneration Bill put forward by the party aims to establish a single permitting system for fire, accessibility and planning in a one-stop-shop for ...
15/11/2024
Works will begin next week to provide a more reliable water supply in County Kildare, Uisce Éireann has announced. The improvements, which will take place in Allenwood, will also target the reduction of high levels of leakage. GMC Utilities Group are carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce ...
15/11/2024
Essential wastewater improvements being made to the North Street area in Carrickfergus are set to be completed on Friday, November 22, NI Water has announced. Further works will recommence to the area on January 6, after the busy Christmas period. The work is part of a major investment to improve ...
15/11/2024
A forthcoming road closure in Wicklow has been announced by the County Council ahead of essential roadworks which are suspected to last a week. The closure will impact the L-69052 road in Arklow and will take place on the junction of the L2901, Laffin's Lane and The Brook, from Monday, November ...
14/11/2024
A L'Derry park was visited by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs yesterday following the completion of extensive works. Manor Park in Moneymore welcomed Minister Andrew Muir MLA, who made the trip to see the result of extensive works which totalled £260,000. The ...
14/11/2024
A Railway Order planning application will be made by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) regarding the major Luas Finglas project. The application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála on Monday, November 18, while the public can make submissions about the proposed light rail line from November ...
14/11/2024
A new €8.8 million social housing scheme officially launched in County Louth recently. The Ferrard Park development in Drogheda contains 28 new houses which were acquired by Louth County Council from CFS Homes for tenants from the council's social housing waiting list. The houses, which include a ...
14/11/2024
A number of projects across Wicklow aimed at addressing the negative impacts of climate change have received a significant cash boost. Wicklow County Council and The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications announced an allocation of €675,574.33 to 20 community groups across the ...