Minister has ‘no confidence’ that cross-Border pylon plan will work

A CABINET minister has “absolutely no confidence” the North-south electricity inter-connector between Meath and Armagh will ever happen.

Regina Doherty is on a collision course with her own Government after claiming the long-delayed project should now be scrapped.

Her statement comes despite a report brought to Cabinet earlier this week by Communications Minister Denis Naughten which supported the economic and technical case for using pylons rather than putting cables underground.

Officially the Government has said it will not now intervene in EirGrid’s plans to build the cross-Border power lines. However, Ms Doherty, who is a TD for Meath East, said the arguments being made why the inter-connector is needed are a “smokescreen”.

She said claims by groups like Ibec – which represents businesses – that it will help attract business are not true.

Speaking to Michael Reade on LMFM, Ms Doherty said Mr Naughten has “no choice” but to support the project, but “the rest of us in Ireland are very aware that there are immense vulnerabilities”.

Supporters say it will provide a second highcapacity all-Ireland interconnector, ensuring the long-term supply and enhancing services to business. But Ms Doherty said: “I have absolutely no confidence that this project will ever be delivered.”

Asked whether she was in a difficult position as part of the Government backing the plan, Ms Doherty said her first responsibility is to the people of her constituency.

Fianna Fáil TD Thomas Byrne slammed the approach being taken by Ms Doherty, saying she was trying to “wash her hands” of the issue. Mr Byrne, who also opposes the pylons, said it is not possible for a Cabinet minister to be advocating against Government policy.

“Regina likes to just get through the gaps. I’d have no difficulty saying it to her face.”