Farmers protest against ESB overhead line

HUNDREDS of farmers protested yesterday against plans by the ESB to erect an overhead power line on the lands of some of their colleagues.

Sat, 22 Jul, 2006 - 01:00

Ray Ryan, Agribusiness Correspondent

An estimated 300 people, some of them from as far away as Donegal and Wexford, attended the rally at Droumaduneen, near Bantry in Co Cork.

It was organised by the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) and Bantry Concerned Action Group (BCAG).

BCAG is supporting 26 farmers who are objecting to a 14km overhead line crossing their lands between Colomane and Ballylickey.

The group’s spokesman, Quentin Gargan, said recent studies have shown that childhood leukaemia is twice as prevalent in families living near overhead power lines.

“These lines are a visual blight on scenic areas and unspoilt countryside,” he said. “Underground lines may cost more initially but they are safer.

“They require less maintenance and are not visible,” Mr Gargan added.

ICSA president Malcolm Thompson called on farmers not to co-operate with the ESB until the issue is resolved.

“There has not been a law made that can’t be changed by common sense and the will of the people,” said Mr Thompson.

He said that the jury is very much out on the health effects of overhead lines and added that “where there is any doubt we must defer to the wishes of the person whose land or house is affected”.

He said he saluted the patience of the BCAG and warned that what was happening to farmers in west Cork today could happen elsewhere tomorrow.

Mr Thompson said the ESB should face the reality that the days are over when farmers will dance to its tune.

The IFA and ICMSA were represented at the rally, which MEP Kathy Sinnott also attended.

A protest march through Bantry followed.

Meanwhile, an application by the ESB for an injunction to restrain named objectors from preventing the company entering lands for the purpose of erecting the electricity line is due to be heard in the High Court on Monday.

The ESB has said it is not in a position to comment because the issues are before the court.