ESB in talks bid to resolve cable dispute

Eddie Cassidy

The talks have been proposed by the ESB in an effort to break a two-year impasse over the construction of a 38kV line in the Bantry area.

To date, the wind farm developer and the landowners have not been involved in direct talks.

A Bantry action group, under chairman Joe Burke, has emphasised landowners are not opposed to the wind farm.

Their primary concern is the potential health risks associated with high voltage overhead lines. Local farmers have said they are prepared to allow the cable to be laid underground.

Mr Burke said yesterday that the local campaign was gathering momentum with national farm bodies, the ICSA and the ICSMA prepared to offer support. Hill-walking groups are also backing the landowners.

“As landowners, we are taking a stand for every farmer in the country,” Mr Burke said.

“Our property is private and it’s about time that someone called a halt to big commercial concerns using the ESB as an ally to railroad their way through private land.”

Mr Burke said his group would be prepared to enter into talks with the developer and the ESB.

Last month, An Bord Pleanála turned down an appeal from the action group in relation to the ESB Networks’ application to construct a cable to the proposed Glanta Commons wind farm at Dromourneen, to link up with an 110kV station in Ballylickey.

West Cork TD Denis O’Donovan said yesterday that negotiation, and not confrontation, was the way forward.

“I have been assured by the ESB that they are prepared to enter talks with all parties to bring an end to the dispute. ESB Networks have been given the go-ahead by both the county council and Bord Pleanála to construct the cable but they are anxious to alleviate farmers’ concerns,” he said.

Mr O’Donovan said landowners could go to the courts and seek a judicial review but the cost would be astronomical.

“The best way forward for all concerned is to get around the table and talk, there’s nothing to lose through consultation.”

The Fianna Fáil TD, who is a member of the joint Oireachtas committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources said senior ESB officials were anxious to reduce any adverse effect on farmers of constructing overhead lines.

“At this stage, no one in ESB is in a position to give a commitment on local demands for underground cables to be laid but I believe the impact of overhead cables can be minimised,” he added.