Coffey welcomes Government’s decision to establish expert panel to consider underground options for Gridlink

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has today (Wednesday) said the decision by the Government to establish an independent expert panel to consider the possibility of putting high power cables underground is positive a move.   Deputy Coffey, in his submission to Eirgrid, sought full transparency and clarity around the overhead options versus underground options and this will now be addressed by an independent panel of experts.

“I’m pleased that the Government has announced that an independent panel of experts will examine putting high power cables underground. This is something that I have been arguing in favour of since the beginning of this proposal and I am pleased that the Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte TD, and the Government have listened to my concerns.

“This is something that was called for at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications and Transport when community groups came before it to give evidence at my request.   I have worked with a number of my Oireachtas colleagues over the last few months to achieve this outcome.   This news is very welcome and I will continue to work with community groups and advocate on their behalf throughout this process.  

“The expert panel will be chaired by former Supreme Court Justice, Catherine McGuinness, and its membership will also include Mr John FitzGerald of the ESRI; Professor Keith Bell of the University of Strathclyde; Dr Karen Foley, Head of School of Landscape Architecture of UCD; and Economist Colm McCarthy.”