The GridLink project had been planned to run from Cork to Kildare with a number of different routes outlined.

EirGrid, the semi-State body in charge of the maintenance and upgrading of the national power network, has announced that instead of new pylons and a 400kV powerline, existing infrastructure will be used through a “regional plan”.

New technologies known as “series compensation” will be used to deliver increased power through existing power lines.

The regional plan outlines the use of existing lines between Moneypoint and Dublin to deliver on the energy needs of the country.

The proposed GridLink project had encountered significant opposition, with community groups expressing concern over the erection of new pylons between Kildare and Cork.

Last October, the Irish Farmers Journal exclusively reported on ESB’s submission on the green energy paper which questioned the Government’s strategy regarding the need for new pylons.

Reaction

IFA’s Environment and Rural Affairs Chairman Harold Kingston has welcomed EirGrid’s decision not to develop the proposed project in the south-east. He called on EirGrid to review plans for similar projects in the north east and the west of Ireland.

Mr Kingston said, “Ireland’s economic recovery is more energy efficient, with overall electricity demand continuing to fall below projections. This fall in expected energy demand and the use of technologies from other countries has led to EirGrid’s decision today. The decision by EirGrid must lead to an immediate review of the other electricity infrastructure projects, to ensure the impact on farm families and rural communities is limited.”