“If this project is to proceed, then the transmission cables should be undergrounded as the technology is available and the cost differential between overgrounding and undergrounding has been dramatically reduced in recent years”, said Deputy Smith.

“It is now time for the Government to act on the Fianna Fáil motions, passed in Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann, which called for the lines to be placed underground. This is also the overwhelming view of the affected communities in Cavan, Monaghan and Meath.

“I have outlined clearly on numerous occasions that such transmission cables if placed overground would have many adverse and negative effects on tourism, heritage, farming, family and community life. It will not be acceptable to local communities for Eirgrid to show total disregard for their views”, concluded Brendan Smith.