asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will ensure the elimination of "wire scapes" by providing that wires be put underground.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Underground Cabling.
23.
I presume that the Deputy is referring to high and low tension electricity supply lines.
In the case of low tension distribution it is the policy of the board to provide underground services in every sizeable new housing estate. Regarding low tension overhead mains and services in town centres the board take advantage of any opportunity occurring to remove these. This is very often done in conjunction with new lighting schemes for towns.
In the case of transmission networks, the cost of underground cables is 12 to 15 times that of overhead lines. Even the richest countries in the world do not use underground cables because of the cost involved and the reduced reliability which would ensue. The ESB, however, take special care in the routing of such transmission networks to avoid interference with the environment.