Panel ‘may not review’ northern power line

Doubts are emerging that the planned North-South electricity power line route will be reviewed by an expert panel, despite a pledge by the Taoiseach to disgruntled backbenchers.

The head of a Government-appointed expert group said yesterday that the special commission may not have the resources, ability, or even enough time, to investigate the North-South interconnector.

Grid operator Eirgrid is set to lodge planning permission for the Meath to Tyrone electricity route this month.