21 Feb 2012, 18:04
The Joint Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture today heard wide-ranging briefings from expert opinion and stakeholders on the proposed €280 million high-voltage power line from Meath to Tyrone.
Two representatives from International Expert Commission, established by Minister for Energy Pat Rabbitte TD last year, briefed the Committee on their report, which informed the Committee’s discussion with the interested parties that followed.
Addressing the Committee over the course of the seven hour session were national grid operator EirGrid, ESB Networks, the North-East Pylon Pressure Campaign, the Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee and Ratheniska Action Group.
Committee Chairman Andrew Doyle TD said: “This was a valuable meeting, where the Committee provided a unique public forum for all sides of the debate to thrash out long running issues in a frank, comprehensive and open manner.
“Next Wednesday, the Committee will receive a briefing from officials from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Following this, the Committee will issue its response for consideration by Minister Rabbitte, which will reflect the comprehensive debate, conducted in good faith by all voices here today.”
Ends
For further information contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 6949926
F: +3531 618 4551
paul.hand@oireachtas.ie
Committee Membership
Deputies
Tom Barry, Fine Gael
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Fein
Pat Deering, Fine Gael
Andrew Doyle, Fine Gael
Martin Ferris, Sinn Fein
Noel Harrington, Fine Gael
Martin Heydon, Fine Gael
Colm Keaveney, Labour Party
Mattie McGrath, Independent
Michael McNamara, Labour Party
Michael Moynihan, Fianna Fail
Éamon Ó Cuív, Fianna Fail
John O’Mahony, Fine Gael
Ann Phelan, Labour Party
Thomas Pringle, Independent
Senators
Michael Comiskey
Paschal Mooney
Pat O’Neill
Mary Ann O’Brien
Brian Ó Domhnaill
John Whelan