Tuesday 6 December 2011

EirGrid starts challenge against Laois plan to lay power lines underground

EirGrid has brought a High Court challenge against Laois County Council's policy that all future power lines over 400kv going through the county must be put underground.

In its proceedings EirGrid Plc claims the policy, adopted by the Council last October, make it impossible for the semi state to fulfil its function to develop, maintain and operate a safe secure, economic and reliable electricity transmission system in the county.

Today the court heard that EirGrid, which has operated Ireland's electricity transmission system since 2006, has major concerns in regards to the cost and environmental implications involved if all lines over 400kv in Co Laois have to be put underground.

In its proceedings, the company argues the Council erred in law by adopting the policy, which it claims is contrary and inconsistent with a number of national plans policies, strategies including the National spatial strategy, regional planning guidelines and the objectives of the County Development Plan.

The policy is included as part of the Laois County Development Plan for 2011-2017.

Read the article @ The Irish Examiner

www.buckplanning.ie

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