If the vital upgrade to the national grid is not carried out the whole country will face blackouts, according to Gridlink project manager John Lowry.

Welcome to today's morning briefing. Let us ensure you're up to speed on what's happening and are prepared for the day ahead.

The ‘bungalow bliss’ nature of the Irish countryside will make it difficult for EirGrid to avoid building its planned 400kV powerlines close to or even above people’s homes, according to a leading European representative group for cable and wire manufacturers.

Commercial viability of wind exports ‘uncertain’.

A Government decision to examine the feasibility of putting two controversial powerlines underground has been described as an “election stunt” to appease backbenchers under pressure in their constituencies.

THE villages and townlands of Dungourney, Clonmult, Lisgoold and Leamlara lie about 13km north of Midleton in East Cork.

Almost all Coalition TDs living in constituencies along Eirgrid’s proposed GridLink in the South and East of the country want a cost-benefit analysis done on running parts or all of the extension underground.

One of the country’s top engineers has warned anti-pylon campaigners that they are putting the country’s recovery at risk by objecting to the Gridlink project.

Eirgrid’s plans to carry out an 18-month survey of the ocean floor between Ireland and France with a view to having a €1bn powerline between both countries is being described as further evidence that the controversial pylon project is really about exporting energy.

The Grid Link Action Group is calling for the resignation of Eirgrid Project Manager, John Lowry, following his comments that the controversial new GridLink project cannot be located underground.

EirGrid is insisting that its controversial new GridLink project cannot be located underground.