Three-year power line row nears end

AN END is in sight to a bitter three-year dispute over wind farm power lines in West Cork.

The Bantry Concerned Action Group (BCAG) will deliver a letter today to businessman Bob Murnane welcoming his offer to bury the contentious 14km power line to link his planned wind farm to the national grid.

It is understood the move could cost him an extra €2 million — €3m.

The BCAG has been locked in a bitter dispute with Mr Murnane, who is developing the wind farm, and the ESB which is contracted to install the cables, for over three years.

Members of the BCAG defied court orders and blocked ESB crew access to their lands for a four week period last month.

The dispute ended up in the High Court.

But following a week of brokered talks between landowners and Mr Murnane, chaired by Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) president, Malcolm Thompson, both sides are now close to a deal.

However, it is understood the BCAG will seek another meeting with Mr Murnane to discuss details for an underground route.

BCAG spokesman and Irish WInd Energy Association member, Quentin Gargan, said they viewed Mr Murnane’s offer “as a huge step forward”.

“But nothing is agreed until everything is agreed,” he said.

Mr Murnane is understood to be preparing to make a statement later this week. Mr Gargan criticised Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Minister Noel Dempsey, for refusing to meet the BCAG throughout the dispute.

The issues at the centre of the dispute in Bantry have national implications, he said. “He must act to increase the unit cost paid to the developer if the power line goes underground.”