Government Chief Whip Regina Doherty has said she will support farmers and landowners if they engage in "civil disobedience" to hamper the decision by An Bord Pleanála to give the green light to EirGrid's plans to build a new North-South electricity interconnector.

In a statement to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Ms Doherty said was "bitterly disappointed but not surprised" by the decision.

"I am particularly disappointed with the treatment by Eirgrid of the people of Cavan, Meath and Monaghan."

We are about to enter into a phase of civil disobedience to hamper the decision made by An Bord Pleanála and I fully support the farmers and landowners in that action.

The interconnector is due to run from Batterstown in Meath, to Turleenan, Co Tyrone.

EirGrid's proposal to construct almost 300 pylons in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan was objected to by around 200 landowners on health and environment grounds.

The decision to grant approval, with conditions, followed a 12-week oral hearing into the development earlier this year.

Ms Doherty, a Meath East TD and a Minister of State in her Chief Whip role, said she is "particularly disappointed with the treatment by EirGrid of the people of Cavan, Meath and Monaghan".

Ms Doherty said that in terms of her position in Government, she has "one last chance to work to get this decision overturned and I am going to remain in Government to use that chance".

This afternoon, Fine Gael Senator Ray Butler said Ms Doherty has always been consistent in her view surrounding EirGrid's plans to build the interconnector, saying "at least she hasn't backed down".

Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, he said he respects her view.

"I respect her view. I know she's in Government - she is the Chief Whip - and she's always been very, very strong on this, so at least she hasn't backed down, and I am sure that she'll make her decision about what she will do when the time comes."

Speaking to reporters last night, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said An Bord Pleanála is independent in its views.

He also said he understood the decision will go for a judicial review.



