Sparks fly in council chamber over controversial pylon plan

Eirgrid chief says construction will start next year; as councillors pass motion to reject overhead line despite full planning permission already being in place

Sparks flew in the council chamber on Monday afternoon with news that construction of the North South Interconnector will begin next year with the controversial pylons placed above the ground.

This was confirmed by representatives of Eirgrid in a presentation to members of Cavan County Council at their May monthly meeting. The councillors later passed a motion rejecting the overhead line, which already has full planning permission both sides of the Border.

Much to the dismay of councillors, Eirgrid CEO Mark Foley insisted constructing the system above ground is “the only way to do it”.

He outlined the project has become more important than ever in recent months due to the continuing war in Ukraine.

Mr Foley also shared his belief Ireland could face blackouts in as little as two years.

“This needs to be done to make sure the lights don’t go out,” Mr Foley said.

The CEO stated the project, when completed, will aid the country in reaching its 80% emissions reduction target and reduce the cost of electricity to the consumer.

Mr Foley explained when he became CEO of Eirgrid, he had to “look at the facts”. Having compared the different options, he concluded an AC line “overground is the only solution that will work”.

From his experience, the alternative HVAC lines, which would run underground, would not be robust or secure enough to support the system without failure.

“HVAC will fail. If you do it, it will bring the community to blackout."

For the full explosive debate, see tomorrow's print edition of The Anglo-Celt.