Eirgrid is insisting that its controversial new GridLink project cannot be located underground.

The third phase of the public consultation process comes to an end today, but the power company insists that there is still no clear plan yet for the route of the infrastructure project which is meeting stiff opposition from communities across Munster and Leinster.

The company says there will be further consultation with the public before it even gets to the planning stage to erect hundreds of pylons.

The controversial €500,000 gridlink pylon route from Knockharra in Cork to Great Island in Wexford to Dunnestown in Kildare has given rise to widespread objections in many communities. However, Minister Pat Rabbitte says no route or site has been selected.

John Lowry is project manager on the GridLink project. He told Lunchtime here on Newstalk that the type of power generated and used here means the cables cannot be run underground.

And Minister Rabbitte told Newstalk Breakfast earlier he has been assured pylons pose no health risks.

The Energy Minister also responded to calls to put the network underground, saying that would add a €50 billion cost to the project, but admitted it could be done if consumers were willing to pay an extra 3% on their utility bills for the next 50 years.