Interconnector challenge opens

A group representing nearly 200 landowners in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath has initiated High Court judicial review proceedings challenging An Bord Pleanála's decision to hold an oral hearing on EirGrid's North-South electricity interconnector application. The North East Pylon Pressure Campaign Ltd opposes the proposed construction of 300 pylons as part of the project. The challenge centres on alleged deficiencies in the application's Environmental Impact and Natura Impact Statements, and contends EirGrid may not be the legitimate applicant. The oral hearing, underway in Carrickmacross, is expected to continue for twelve weeks. An Bord Pleanála and EirGrid oppose the judicial review, arguing the challenge was not brought within the required eight-week timeframe and that challenging the hearing's validity is premature pending a decision on the substantive application. The High Court previously dismissed the group's application for a temporary injunction. The hearing resumed in late March before Mr Justice Richard Humphrey.