ESB faces multimillion euro payout if time limit on claims for power lines on private land not resolved

High Court case centres around one landowner who sought compensation some seven years after a line had been placed on his land

ESB solicitor said in an affidavit it was 'of critical importance' to the ESB that the question of the applicable time limit be determined.

The ESB fears millions of euro may have to be paid out for allowing power lines over private land if the issue of how long a claimant has to bring a claim is not determined.

The claims have been made by the ESB in a High Court case in which one landowner sought compensation some seven years after a line had been placed on his land.