Wallace welcomes commission of independent study on power lines
Mary Wallace TD warmly welcomes the announcement by the Minister For Communications Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan that his department is to commission an independent study on transmission line infrastructure in Ireland. This study will address the issues and implications of installing underground cables relative to overhead transmission lines.
The study will be conducted on a national basis and will offer professional advice on best international practice for the construction of transmission lines. It will consider the relative performance and implications of under-ground cables and overhead lines having regard to technical characteristics, reliability, operation and maintenance factors, environmental impact, possible health issues and cost.
Considering EirGrids current proposal to build a new 400kV line from Meath to Cavan, Mary Wallace stated “This study is particularly welcome as I am concerned about the impact of overhead lines for the community and I and my Fianna Fail colleagues have supported the wishes of the people to have these cables placed underground. I am delighted that Minister Ryan has commissioned this independent study following considerable concern from myself and other Oireachtas members on the many issues that arise with overhead power lines”
I understand that this will be an authoritative report, which is due for completion and publication in April 2008” Minister Wallace concluded.