Pylon report published today

THE report commissioned by the Minister for Communications, Eamon Ryan, was presented to cabinet yesterday (Tuesday) and is to be published this morning (Wednesday). It is understood that the report says that it is not technically feasible to underground cables of the voltage of those proposed for the Meath-Cavan and Tyrone route, with a significant factors such as forced outages. The independent study on transmission line infrastructure in Ireland was to address the issues and implications of installing underground cables relative to overhead transmission lines. The study was conducted on a national basis and offers professional advice on best international practice for the construction of transmission lines. It considers the relative performance and implications of under-ground cables and overhead lines having regard to reliability, operation and maintenance factors, environmental impact, possible health issues and cost.