Eirgrid’s network plans under fire

Fáilte Ireland claims Eirgrid’s controversial plans to upgrade the electricity network between Munster and Leinster have ignored internationally-used guidelines for the selection of routes of high voltage power lines.

In its submission Fáilte Ireland claims Eirgrid has underestimated the significance of landscape and visual factors in a report which outlines several 1km-wide route options.

The €500m Grid Link project by Eirgrid to construct new overhead power lines along a 200km route from east Cork to Kildare via Wexford has sparked widespread opposition from local communities. Eirgrid’s plans will also require the installation of an estimated 750 pylons along the route which covers up to 10 counties.