Eirgrid's Interconnector Application Thrown Out Because of Typing Error
The organisation wrote to An Bord Pleanála to withdraw the plan. It is understood a new application for the Meath-Tyrone 400 kV interconnector is likely not to be re-submitted until September at the earliest. The height of the towers concerned was correct in the Environmental Impact Statement and in the planning drawings, but Eirgrid was advised that under the applicable legislation, there is no mechanism to correct the error within the current application. Eirgrid last night refused to disclose the financial cost of the error but conceded that it was "very regrettable" as the interconnector is urgently needed to improve power supply in the south-east of the country and to unblock congestion between north and south. The North East Pylon Pressure committee tonight said the Eirgrid planning application was "was nothing short of a national disgrace". They have long opposed the plan to build over 160 pylons as part of the project. "It demonstrated a complete lack of quality, was totally incompetent and was a woeful string of deficiencies, gaps and inadequacies. It can only be described as a total insult to the people of Ireland, especially those in the north-east who have been put under enormous stress, worry and huge costs. The gross negligence of Eirgrid was demonstrated time and time again during the oral hearing. The inaccurate heights of the pylons was only one of a multitude of mistakes... in their submissions," a spokesman said.
"Eirgrid have wasted millions of euro and used false information and when they were found out, they simply walk away. They face no penalties and simply re-apply. It is a major scandal and should be investigated as a matter of urgency."
