The incoming chairman of national grid operator, Eirgrid, has told an Oireachtas committee that he would not like to live near an electricity pylon.

Eirgrid is meeting strong local resistance to plans to build three high-capacity electricity lines in the north east, west and south east of the country, all of which will require pylons to carry the cables.

Responding to questions from the joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications, Eirgrid’s chairman designate, John O’Connor, said that he personally “would not like to live close to a pylon”.

When pressed on the issue, he said that it could affect his home’s general amenities, but he also sought to modify his answer by suggesting that “close to” meant within 50 metres.

The three projects are part of Grid 25, which will increase the network’s capacity and to prepare it for the period after 2020, when 40 per cent of Ireland’s electricity will come from wind power.

The grid will have to transport electricity from wind farms in the west and south, where it will be generated, to population centres in the east where it is needed.

Those objecting to the projects are particularly concerned with the impact of these developments on property values. Mr O’Connor said that this would have to be addressed.

He also denied that his previous role as chairman of An Bord Pleanála created a conflict with his new post.

The planning appeals board will deal directly with Eirgrid’s Grid 25-related planning applications under critical infrastructure legislation.