Senator Cullinane made the comments from Leinster House following a meeting with EirGrid executives.
Senator Cullinane said: "In recent media interviews EirGrid executives communicated that they were not opposed to undergrounding as a principle. This seemed to signal that there was room for alternatives to be discussed.
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"However, at the meeting they were categorical that undergrounding is not an option for the GridLink project. EirGrid said that undergrounding would only be made feasible through use of new technology which they claim would be extremely expensive.
"They also conceded that undergrounding would only be considered on extremely short stretches. This would mean a maximum of ten to fifteen kilometres across the entire state, if used at all.
"EirGrid needs to end the spin in relation to their position on undergrounding. They need to be clear and honest with people. That required clarity has been evidently lacking in recent media interviews.
"The EirGrid representatives also acknowledged that the current consultation process is only dealing with the issue of routes and corridors and not about the potential methodologies such as undergrounding."
(CD/JP)
