Oral hearing into controversial plan for overhead power line

An Bord Pleanála is to hold an oral hearing into contentious plans by Eirgrid to run a 110kv overhead power line across a 40km stretch of Co Cork later this month.

The planning authority is to consider whether to grant permission to the state-owned company for the new power line between Clashavoon and Dunmanway which is being strongly opposed by communities on the route of the proposed development.

Eirgrid said construction of the power line would also require the erection of 227 new structures — including 20 large steel pylons along the route.