This week's news that electricity pylons are to be used for all of a proposed cross-border electricity interconnector has been slammed.

The SDLP's Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Tommy Gallagher has reacted angrily to plans submitted by EirGrid for the north-south electricity link between Meath and Co Tyrone - all of which will be above ground.

Speaking upon hearing of the proposals yesterday, he said: "The news that EirGrid plan to build this connector without any undergrounding is very worrying.

"Everybody in South Tyrone understands the importance of a north-south interconnector but local people feel their concerns are not being taken into account."

Underlining potential health hazards from the very strong magnetic fields that are likely to be generated, he said: "Many residents along the proposed route of this electricity connector have questions surrounding the health risks of pylons and overhead cables.

"The potential health risks, particularly with regard to children, mean that all proposals need to be carefully considered.

"Such a health hazard demands full consideration is given to placing these cables underground," he said.

"Additionally, local residents have valid concerns not only around the health risks these pylons bring but also as to the visual impact of these pylons on the surrounding countryside and the negative impact on the value of their homes.

"These proposed cables and pylons will have a significant impact on the surrounding locality.

"Homes and local communities will suffer an immediate and striking impact but there will also be significant damage to the potential for developing tourism in the surrounding area," the MLA continued.

"The permanent structures this interconnector may bring would greatly limit the development of tourism in areas such as Moy and Benburb.

"What people want is to be sure that we get the best route for the long term, not just the easiest, cheapest or most convenient one."

On Monday, a hearing by the Irish planners, An Bord Pleanála, began in Monaghan with EirGrid saying that it wanted to build the connector between Meath and Co Tyrone and that it was "essential to secure the long-term electricity supply for the northeast".

The company said today there is "no alternative" but to run the 400-kilovolt cables using large pylons and insisted that it is not possible to run cables of that length underground.

The hearing is expected to last around six weeks.

See: Planners Probe Power Plan

(BMcC/GK)