The Agriculture Minister says we have to find a way to move energy around the country, if we want to grow.
Eirgrid received thousands of public submissions over its controversial Gridlink project which could see dozens of pylons erected in South Tipperary.
There's growing opposition to the 500 million euro plan on a number of grounds including environmental, health and tourism.
Minister Simon Coveney insisted he is not aware of any health risks and we have a responsibility to find energy alternatives.
