ESB steps up security after attackers damage pylons

THE ESB has stepped up security along the route of a controversial new line of pylons after a number of partially built structures were damaged by unknown attackers.

Steel girders supporting the concrete bases of five planned pylons in Co Roscommon were severed with power tools or hacksaws in the attack which the ESB estimates will cost around €100,000 in repairs.

The pylons are among almost 180 which the ESB is planning to erect along a line running across counties Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo despite opposition from a large number of landowners and residents.

Their chief concern is the electromagnetic field that will be created by the high-voltage power lines and the fear of implications for their own health and that of their livestock. They want underground cables used instead of pylons.

Some of those objecting to the pylons said, however, the deliberate vandalism of ESB property was not how they had ever or ever intended expressing their opposition.

“We heard about the damage and there are obviously disgruntled people out there but we have always taken the legal route and that’s the way we will continue,” said Martina Roddy who, with her husband Michael, are fighting plans for several pylons on their 30-acre farm at Grange, Boyle, Co Roscommon.

ESB spokesman Kevin MacDermott said the attack on the pylons, which is under garda investigation, was the first of its kind. “We have increased security along that line but we have always managed to resolve disputes with landowners. It hasn’t come to this before.”

Mr MacDermott said work on the line was continuing on sites that were not contentious and about half the pylons were at various stages of construction. He said consultation was continuing with individual landowners and it was expected to be able to complete the line on target by the end of this year or early next year.

Ms Roddy, however, disputed the claim that consultation was taking place. She said the last time she and Michael heard from the ESB was almost two years ago when they were threatened with an injunction if they did not admit ESB crews to their land.

“We have to presume they’re still going to come knocking on the door looking to get on the land but we don’t know when because there really hasn’t been consultation. It was too late for consultation anyway when they had their plans made. The time for consultation was seven years ago before they looked for planning permission.”

The ESB relies on numerous scientific studies which have failed to find any link between pylons and ill-health but Ms Roddy said she was not convinced.

“They may not have reports proving health problems but neither can they guarantee us our health and safety will not be affected so we have to err on the side of caution.”