Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
1184 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce obligations on utility companies to gradually eliminate overhead cables from built up urban areas where they are an unsightly intrusion on the amenity of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21413/04]
View answerThere are no powers which would permit my Department to impose compulsory obligations concerning the elimination of overhead cables. Under the EU co-financed urban and village renewal measure of the regional operational programmes, my Department provides grant assistance towards the cost of upgrading measures in towns and villages throughout the country. In many instances, these measures include the placing underground of overhead wirescapes.
