Government Chief Whip Regina Doherty has put her position in jeopardy by saying she will back anti-pylon protesters in any “civil disobedience” measures taken to prevent the new north-south electricity inter-connector.

Opponents of a north/south electricity interconnector which would see 300 pylons 15m high being built across counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan are likely to seek a judicial review of the planning decision.

An action aimed at halting an oral hearing for EirGrid’s application to erect approximately 300 pylons as part of the proposed North-South electricity interconnector has been dismissed by the High Court.

The head of Eirgrid has again insisted it is not possible to put the North-South interconnector underground.

Eirgrid has said it will keep an open mind on the future of its Gridwest scheme after reopening the public consultation process to allow consideration of an underground option.