The Agriculture Minister says the government 'isn't going to railroad anything through' when it comes to pylons.

The decision on whether the new Eirgid electricity network should be under- or over-ground has prompted heated debate on both sides.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny sparked further controversy earlier this month when he made comments linking infrastructure with emigration.

However Simon Coveney says he does not believe the Taoiseach is ruling out anything on the issue.

Eirgrid has previously insisted that its controversial new GridLink project cannot be located underground.

The third phase of the public consultation process ended back on January 7th , 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.

Speaking to Breakfast here on Newstalk, Minister Coveney said he he believes the concerns of those objecting to the pylon network need to be addressed.