Fears ESB may scrap powerline plans

THERE are fears the ESB may scrap plans to bring a controversial powerline through north Kerry, as landowners and farming organisations continue to be divided on a compensation package.

ESB spokesman Michael Kelly yesterday confirmed the ESB is now reviewing its plans to construct a 110kV powerline from Tarbert to Tralee.

He said that in the case of the small number of farms where some preliminary works had taken place, compensation would be paid to the farmers concerned in line with the agreements which had already been reached.

The IFA and ICMSA are divided on the issue, with the IFA urging its members to reject the compensation offer, which it described as derisory.

However, the ICMSA has claimed some credit for securing a compensation package, which it described as satisfactory.

Should the ESB decide to abandon its plans, almost 200 farmers could lose out on payments estimated to be worth €2.5 million.

Such a payout would be among the biggest of its kind and would set a precedent for payments to farmers in other parts of the country.

However, Kerry farmers now stand to lose out - some by as much as €20,000 - should the ESB decide not to proceed.

Farmers would not be the only losers, as the powerline is also said to be necessary to attract industry and investment to Kerry.

Mr Kelly refused to comment when asked if the ESB was about to drop its plans for the powerline.

All he would say was that a review was taking place.

“It is standard and good business practice for any project to be reviewed regularly and this is what is happening in this case,” Mr Kelly said. “Negotiations took place between ESB and a consultant representing a number of farmers on the line route earlier this year, and an understanding was reached on compensation to apply in the event of the construction of the line.”

The IFA, meanwhile, has warned farmers to be cautious regarding the deal offered by the ESB.

Kerry IFA chairman John Stack said it was an insult to farmers as it did not provide sufficient compensation for the impact of the powerline on their lands and did not take into account its full impact on property values.

He said the IFA totally rejected the “pressurised hard-sell approach” from the ESB in an attempt to force farmers to accept an inferior offer in advance of the outcome of negotiations between the IFA and ESB.

Kerry ICMSA chairman Conor Creedon said the compensation package was a “huge improvement” from the existing arrangements. Landowners would now be offered €9,000 for a set of twin poles, €18,000 for an angle mast and €400 where wires only cross the land.

Mr Creedon said the ESB had also agreed terms of a protocol on animal disease and had reassured the ICMSA that contractors carrying out the work on behalf of the ESB would follow this protocol and keep the local district veterinary office informed of their movements.