Call For Powerlines To Be Undergrounded

Sinn Féin's European Election candidate for Ireland-South Liadh Ní Riada has called on the government to ensure that powerlines, to be built as part of the EirGrid pylon network, are undergrounded.

Ms Ní Riada said: "We have been made aware that one of the options for connecting Great Island to Dunstown in Kildare is through counties Wexford, Wicklow and Carlow.

"The EirGrid map shows that this corridor passes through beautifully scenic areas such as the Wicklow Way.


"Sinn Féin cannot support the failure of EirGrid to the concerns of local residents opposed to the construction of overhead interconnectors. If this option is chosen, the network could cause considerable harm in counties Wexford, Wicklow and Carlow.

"There will be a negative impact on the countryside, wildlife and tourism. Our landscape and built heritage will come under threat and there are very real concerns about the potential devaluation of farm land and residential property.

"We are calling on the Government to direct EirGrid to proceed with this project only on the basis that it will be undergrounded. The communities must have their voices heard."

(CD/JP)