Sir, – Eirgrid in its revised proposals for its network reveals it is still contemplating installing overhead lines on large pylons for its North South Interconnector ("Overhead lines preferred for North South Interconnector" ).
Such a view displays a worrisome willingness to ignore the reality of Ireland’s recent violent winter storms.
Storms Darwin in 2014 and Rachel in 2015 caused extensive, costly damage to above-ground network infrastructure. The estimated cost of Darwin to the ESB is put at €25 million.
The financial damage done by Rachel is still being evaluated. Eirgrid should accept that underground systems can not be knocked down by storm force winds, and discontinue plans for further above-ground lines and pylons. – Yours, etc, DAN DONOVAN Dungarvan, Co Waterford.