Deputy Moynihan said all construction of pylons as part of Eirgrid's Grid Link project should be suspended while the mediator meets both sides.
He said: "Public meetings have been held from counties Meath to Cork with residents and members of the public raising grave concerns about the construction of overhead pylons as part of Eirgrid's Grid Link project.
-- Advertisement --
"In light of these representations and concerns over safety, Fianna Fáil is proposing that all construction work should be suspended while a mediator is appointed to liaise between Eirgrid and the public.
"The methodology used by Eirgrid as well their adherence to all the necessary guidelines and legislation has been called into question - these concerns need to be addressed. There is a precedent for this course of action.
"In 2004 similar concerns were raised in Cork and an independent mediator was brought in to adjudicate, in the end transmission lines were actually laid underground in a number of areas where pylons were judged unsuitable.
"Residents in various counties have accused Eirgrid of not engaging in proper consultation which seems to have been a reoccurring theme. Until these accusations are investigated and addressed, all construction should be suspended."
(CD/JP)
