Living next to pylons is safe, says Eirgrid boss

Living next to a pylon is “completely safe” and putting high-voltage lines underground would add some €2bn to the cost of upgrading the electricity network, it has been claimed.

Speaking to the Dáil transport and communications committee about the controversial pylon-based €3.2bn Grid25 electricity network upgrade, Eirgrid CEO Fintan Slye acknowledged concerns about the adequacy of the company’s public consultation process but said that it was “not possible” to place the high- voltage lines underground.

Mr Slye said to transport electricity across the large distances planned in the project, underground lines would require building huge converter stations “larger than Croke Park” around the country at a significantly higher cost — with the works overall adding about €2bn to the bill.