Anti Pylon group loses High Court Challenge

 The North East Pylon Pressure Campaign has lost its High Court challenge against the North South Interconnector. 

In a 226 page judgment, Judge Max Barrett ruled in favour of Eirgrid and the plan to erect over 300 high voltage pylons  across the Meath, Cavan and Monaghan countryside. 

NEPPC campaigners are now expected to appeal the decision but will first have to digest the report with Judge Barrett only reading out the last few lines to the packed court this morning.

Speaking after the decision Padraig O'Reilly told the Meath Chronicle They were always planning to appeal the decision if it went against them and that this was just another hurdle to be overcome and that there was still a long way to go in the process. he said the decision was 'disasppointing, but not surprising'.

EirGrid welcomed today's decision, pointing out  the North South Interconnector is a critical electricity grid  project linking Ireland and Northern Ireland.

 John Fitzgerald, director of grid development and interconnection at EirGrid, said: “The North South Interconnector is undoubtedly the most important infrastructure scheme on the island today and will help deliver very real benefits to domestic and commercial customers.

 “We look forward to moving on to the next stage of the project, in particular engaging with landowners in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan who are directly affected by it.â€