11/05/2010
Planners Probe Power Plan
A well publicised bid to build a north-south electricity interconnector is under scrutiny today.
A hearing by the Irish planners, An Bord Pleanála, into the proposals kicked-ff in Monaghan today with EirGrid saying that its plan to build the connector between Meath and Co Tyrone is "essential to secure the long-term electricity supply for the northeast".
However, there has been strong local opposition to the plans, with demands for EirGrid to put the cables underground.
The company said today there is "no alternative" but to run the 400-kilovolt cables between Meath and Tyrone using large pylons and insisted that it is not possible to run cables of that length underground.
That's despite campaigners who argue that the high-voltage connector would pose a health hazard through the electromagnetic field it would create, while the pylons would also ruin the countryside.
The hearing is expected to last around six weeks. It is likely to be several months before the inspector finalises the report and makes recommendations.
It will then be up to An Bord Pleanála, and not the local authorities, to decide whether to grant planning permission for the project.
(BMcC/GK)
A hearing by the Irish planners, An Bord Pleanála, into the proposals kicked-ff in Monaghan today with EirGrid saying that its plan to build the connector between Meath and Co Tyrone is "essential to secure the long-term electricity supply for the northeast".
However, there has been strong local opposition to the plans, with demands for EirGrid to put the cables underground.
The company said today there is "no alternative" but to run the 400-kilovolt cables between Meath and Tyrone using large pylons and insisted that it is not possible to run cables of that length underground.
That's despite campaigners who argue that the high-voltage connector would pose a health hazard through the electromagnetic field it would create, while the pylons would also ruin the countryside.
The hearing is expected to last around six weeks. It is likely to be several months before the inspector finalises the report and makes recommendations.
It will then be up to An Bord Pleanála, and not the local authorities, to decide whether to grant planning permission for the project.
(BMcC/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.