NEPPC plan pre-election rally

FF leader defends party's position on project

Fianna Fáil leader and Tánaiste Micheál Martin says he could not give a “commitment” regarding the future of the North-South Interconnector project, but in defending his party's position, indicated that delivery would be a matter for the next government to decide.

Government party candidates will be called out on “false promises” made prior to the last election say the North East Pylon Pressure Committee (NEPPC). The campaigners are holding a pre-election public meeting in Kells this evening (Monday), November 25.

A large crowd is expected at the Headfort Arms with organisers saying the purpose of the meeting is twofold- to give concerned farmers, landowners and communities affected an update on the current status of the project; and review political party promises made prior to the 2020 election.

“There has been no change in EirGrid’s approach over the lifetime of this Government, namely an arrogant dismissal of affected communities and a plan to force the project through, using whatever powers they have at their disposal,” said a NEPPC spokesperson.

“This approach is failing miserably and the project is at a complete standstill. All that is happening is that EirGrid and ESB are wasting our hard-earned taxpayers' money year in, year out, with the full approval of this Government and with zero accountability. It needs to stop and a new path forward needs to be considered.”

They add that five years ago Government party candidates at local and national level “promised a range of actions” and priorities, “none of which have been delivered” the group claims.

Government party candidates will be called out on “false promises” made prior to the last election

“The vast majority of farmers and communities remain united in their steadfast opposition to the overhead line, even despite Government’s unflinching support for EirGrid’s approach,” the NEPPC statement concludes.

Visiting Cavan Town on Tuesday, while on the campaign trail with local candidate Brendan Smith, the Tánaiste defended his party's legacy on the issue, and the position of its local TDs.

Deputy Smith, Deputy Niamh Smyth and Senator Robbie Gallagher have all spoken in favour of the community stance to underground the interconnector.

“That's the nature of local democracy and I think it's good meetings are being held and people will engage. Our public representatives have been very strong and robust on the issue, locally here and have made their presence felt,” said Minister Martin when the Celt asked what sort of reception his election candidates can expect to receive.

He added that there are “challenges” in respect of the national grid, and in terms of future energy security on the island of Ireland.

“In terms of commitments, [Fianna Fáil] sought a review during the last government, to try and get as much as possible [undergrounded]. The minister of the day had views in relation to it, and we'll see what will unfold in relation to a new government's approach to this.”

Asked if this “approach” might herald a fresh examination of undergrounding options, the Tánaiste stated: “I'm not going to make any commitments one way or another. I don't think that would be fair at this point. I'd need to examine it, where it is at this stage and so forth.”

There is, Minister Martin continued, a “fundamental challenge and need to expand the grid for industry, for jobs, for people, because the last number of years, especially after Covid, the CRU would have highlighted security issues for supply of electricity which is something we simply have to avoid. That's the big challenge.”

The project has passed all stages of planning north and south of the border. The Celt has previously reported that, EirGrid, through the ESB, intends to use Statutory powers to press ahed with the erection of pylons and lines for the southern section of the 138km long, 400kv electricity line from Yurleenan in Tyrone to Batterstown in Meath.

NEPP, which claims to represent up to 400 landowners and has consistently called for the lines to be put underground, contends the project is a “dead duck”.