Action to halt pylon project rejected by High Court

Judge rules that EirGrid oral hearing on plan for North-South pylons can go ahead

Electrical pylons: group of landowners in Cavan, Meath and Monaghan opposes EirGrid plan. Photograph: Getty

An action aimed at halting an oral hearing for EirGrid plc’s application to erect about 300 pylons as part of the proposed North-South electricity interconnector has been rejected by the High Court.

The challenge was brought by North East Pylon Pressure Campaign Ltd, representing almost 200 landowners in Cavan, Meath and Monaghan.

Mr Justice Richard Humphreys refused to grant the group permission to challenge An Bord Pleanála’s decision to hold an oral hearing as part of the process concerning EirGrid’s application to erect the pylons. He said such processes should be allowed to conclude.