Dropping of pylons project welcomed

The news that Eirgrid is dropping the plan to build a new 400 kV overhead power line system from Cork to Dunstown near Kilcullen has been welcomed by two local representatives, writes Brian Byrne.

Deputy Martin Heydon said he is delighted that the overground option has now 'finally been removed from the debate'. "It will be a huge relief to all residents in the areas affected," he said in a statement.

Cllr Fiona O'Loughlin, who has recently been selected to run for Fianna Fail in the next General Election, paid credit to communities across the county who had fought proposals for more pylons, which would have been 'hideous structures dominating the landscape'. "These communities are to be congratulated for their persistence," she said.

An Independent Expert Panel studied the options for the Grid Link project, and as a result EirGrid decided to use the so-called 'Regional Option' for a technology that allows more power to flow through existing high tension electricity lines.

The option will require the provision of an underwater cable across the Shannon, and some upgrade work to the existing transmission lines, according to Fintan Slye, chief executive,