Sinn Féin TD for Meath East, Darren O’Rourke, says Eirgrid’s approach of by-passing well-established community campaign groups and writing directly to landowners in relation to the North-South Interconnector (NSI) is yet further evidence of their belligerence and is sure to cause further consternation.

 

He told Meath Live, “Eirgrid know full well that more than 250 landowners have expressly requested that all correspondence for them regarding the NSI be sent to the North East Pylon Pressure Campaign (NEPPC). They know that these landowners have signed ‘Forms of Authority’ with NEPPC to that effect.

“Eirgrid’s latest move to bypass NEPPC and write directly to landowners must be seen in that context. It is further evidence of their belligerence and their failure to properly engage with the local community. Indeed, it displays, yet again, an unwillingness to engage on the substantive issues. The move is sure to cause further consternation locally.

“The fact that, more than a decade and a half on, we still don’t have an independent comparative cost-benefit-analysis of the overground versus underground options, taking account of the full economic, environmental and social impact of this project, is a damning indictment of Eirgrid and successive governments, and proof-positive of their enduring belligerence. Is it any wonder that communities are so exercised?!

“For once and for all they need to engage with local communities to find a way forward to deliver this project in a way that is acceptable. A solution is possible and it is surely underground. It is clear that the community and its representatives in NEPPC are willing to play their part. Government and Eirgrid must step up and do the same.”