The Government is to examine the case for putting the North South electricity interconnector underground.
The issue has been the focus of a lengthy campaign by residents of the border counties who object to the ESB plans to carry the 400KV cables on pylons.
The cabinet today approved a proposal from Communications Minister Pat Rabitte to have an international expert panel review the case for and the cost of sinking the power lines underground.
The review is to report within six months.
