The Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte says Ireland couldn't afford to put the Grid West project underground, if it costs three times more than pylons.

EirGrid is today publishing an alternative route for the 113km high capacity power cable, following objections to over head lines.

The original plan to upgrade the power network through parts of Mayo and Roscommon was costed at €240 million.

However the national electricity grid operator is warning that the underground option could cost a multiple of the plan to use overground pylons.

Anti-pylon groups are giving a cautious welcome to a proposal to put the contentious project underground.

The plan will be evaluated, along with the pylon proposal, by the Government appointed independent panel, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Catherine McGuinness, to determine which is the most viable.

Our News Correspondent Fergal O'Brien reports: