North-South interconnector terms
Deputy Cassells said the review of the North-South interconnector failed to address property devaluation, tourism, health and other local concerns in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan. The Taoiseach said it was a terms-of-reference issue and would ask the Minister to consider the request.
The programme for Government includes an entire section on the rights of local communities when energy pylons are to be imposed on them, yet the terms of reference for the independent review of the North-South interconnector published on Monday do not include any reference, as per the Fianna Fáil Party motion adopted by all sides, to the devaluation of property or land in counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan, the impact on tourism and health or a realistic study being done on this issue. The North East Pylon Pressure Group contacted me this morning and issued a statement on what it describes the "terms of preference" as an "irresponsible charade". Does the Cabinet stand over this charade? Can the section in respect of the impact on landscape, tourism and health be included in the terms of reference?
Comment on this
This is not about legislation but about terms of reference. The North East Pylon Pressure Group has been around for some time and I have met members of the group over the years. This is a matter Deputy Eamon Ryan spoke about. I will have the Minister look at the request Deputy Cassells makes regarding the terms of reference.