Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Armagh Sinn Féin Councillor Paul Corrigan Says the Fight in Support of an Underground Interconnector is Still On.

Published: 28 March, 2009

Armagh Sinn Féin Councillor Paul Corrigan says the fight to have the NIE Tyrone to Cavan Interconnector placed underground is still on. Speaking following the recent publication of an "independent" report carried out by PB Power on behalf of NIE Councillor Paul Corrigan stated, "The recent "independent" report by PB Power which was commissioned by NIE claims that to place the Tyrone to Cavan Interconnector underground would cost seven times as much as using overhead pylons and NIE have now said they will press ahead with their planning application for an overhead Interconnector." "This is NIE making their stand in support of overhead pylons, while at the same time attempting to create the impression that their decision has been made, their decision is final and that the campaign in support of underground cables is now a lost cause." "The campaign to have the cables placed underground is alive and well. SEAT (Safe Electricity Armagh and Tyrone) and NEPP (North East Pylon Pressure) are two extremely well organised campaign groups supporting an underground route for the Interconnector." "It is now time for people to give their full support to the campaign groups, become involved and remain united against an overhead Interconnector." "NIE will continue to create false impressions, cause confusion and attempt to divide us. We can even expect them to offer ludicrous sums of money to a small number of landowners to split opposition from that front. They will have their own strategies and tactics to achieve their goal." "But we need to remain united. We need to stay informed and be aware of the situation as it develops. We need to use every opportunity available to oppose NIE's plans for an overhead Interconnector. We need prepare ourselves for a long drawn out campaign over many years. We need to ensure that the health of our children and grandchildren comes first." " Their health is an issue I will fight for. The cost effectiveness claim by NIE of an overhead 80 kilometre 400KV Interconnector is not an issue. NIE and Eirgrid have one acceptable option. An underground Tyrone to Cavan Interconnector