ESB fast track plans under fire

AN environmental group has hit out at a proposed Government measure to fast track the planning process on high-voltage overhead power lines.

Communications and Natural Resources Minister Dermot Ahern yesterday announced new legislation to avoid delays on the roll out of major ESB network projects.

With the ESB planning to invest almost €4bn in the immediate future in modernising the transmission and distribution networks, Mr Ahern said Ireland cannot afford the luxury of waiting years for the planning process to run its course while critical infrastructure remained undelivered.