Regina Doherty backs ‘civil disobedience’ plans on pylons

Government Chief Whip Regina Doherty has put her position in jeopardy by saying she will back anti-pylon protesters in any “civil disobedience” measures taken to prevent the new north-south electricity inter-connector.

The Fine Gael TD made the claim yesterday after opposition party anger over An Bord Pleanála’s approval of EirGrid’s plans to build the pylons on the border and her own constituency.

The long-stated plans are now set to become reality, and over the coming months EirGrid will build up to 300 pylons in Meath, Cavan, and Monaghan as part of a system that will run from Batterstown in Meath to Turleenan, Co Tyrone.