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23/08/2010
Cross Border Power Inquiry Welcomed
There has been a warm welcome for the announcement of a public inquiry into a proposed cross-border electricity interconnector.
Ulster Unionist MLA for Newry and Armagh, Danny Kennedy, said the announcement by the Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots of a inquiry into the NIE cross border Inter Connector project was good news.
"I am very pleased by the Minister's announcement, which will ensure that the views of those affected by the proposed 400Kilo Volt cross-border Inter Connector - which has been the subject of unprecedented opposition on both sides of the border - will now be aired in an appropriate forum.
"While the local community obviously supports the appropriate maintenance and upgrading of our power supply network, their very real concerns about these particular proposals deserve a fair hearing," the UUP MLA said.
"I must commend the sterling work of the Safe Energy for Armagh/Tyrone campaign group, who deserve recognition for their efforts to represent the concerns of the local community.
"This has been a lengthy battle, and I remain wholly supportive of this campaign for the undergrounding of cabling on land close to houses and farms.
"I am delighted to see progress being made, and would urge local people to make representations. There are compelling arguments around this issue and it is vital that the voice of this community is heard if we are to ensure the best possible outcome."
Last week, Edwin Poots ordered the Planning Appeals Commission to investigate NIE and Eirgrid's plans for a substation at Trewmount Road in Moy.
The scheme includes a single overhead line would run over land in Tyrone and Armagh.
Opposition to the project has been strong on both sides of the border with calls to consider public health implications and alternative technologies.
The Minister said: "I have given the application careful consideration. I am of the opinion that the best way forward is to deal with the application through the public local inquiry process."
Public hearings have already been held in the Irish Republic, in Co Monaghan.
See: North-South Interconnector Probe Launched
(BMcC/GK)
Ulster Unionist MLA for Newry and Armagh, Danny Kennedy, said the announcement by the Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots of a inquiry into the NIE cross border Inter Connector project was good news.
"I am very pleased by the Minister's announcement, which will ensure that the views of those affected by the proposed 400Kilo Volt cross-border Inter Connector - which has been the subject of unprecedented opposition on both sides of the border - will now be aired in an appropriate forum.
"While the local community obviously supports the appropriate maintenance and upgrading of our power supply network, their very real concerns about these particular proposals deserve a fair hearing," the UUP MLA said.
"I must commend the sterling work of the Safe Energy for Armagh/Tyrone campaign group, who deserve recognition for their efforts to represent the concerns of the local community.
"This has been a lengthy battle, and I remain wholly supportive of this campaign for the undergrounding of cabling on land close to houses and farms.
"I am delighted to see progress being made, and would urge local people to make representations. There are compelling arguments around this issue and it is vital that the voice of this community is heard if we are to ensure the best possible outcome."
Last week, Edwin Poots ordered the Planning Appeals Commission to investigate NIE and Eirgrid's plans for a substation at Trewmount Road in Moy.
The scheme includes a single overhead line would run over land in Tyrone and Armagh.
Opposition to the project has been strong on both sides of the border with calls to consider public health implications and alternative technologies.
The Minister said: "I have given the application careful consideration. I am of the opinion that the best way forward is to deal with the application through the public local inquiry process."
Public hearings have already been held in the Irish Republic, in Co Monaghan.
See: North-South Interconnector Probe Launched
(BMcC/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of light drizzle. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast into western parts of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry late in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
