Farmers protest over pylon plans

MORE than 1,200 tractors took part in a rally against EirGrid’s proposals to build overhead electricity pylons in counties Monaghan, Cavan and Meath.

Organised by the North East Pylon Pressure campaign, the demonstration took place at a farm in Kilmainhamwood, Co Meath, in protest at the state agency’s plans for two electricity projects for the national grid in the region.

During the event, five columns of tractors left five locations in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan at 9am yesterday before converging on Kilmainhamwood in the early afternoon.

At the site, 400 veteran tractors spelled out the 100ft-long message “No Pylons”.

The action campaign claims to represent 45,000 people in Monaghan, Meath and Cavan who want ultra-high voltage electricity cables to be underground because it is more cost-effective, safer and better for the environment.

NEPP chairman Francis Lally said yesterday’s demonstration underlined the depth of feeling on the issue among farmers and rural communities.

However, EirGrid said it was engaged in a public consultation process for two electricity projects for the national grid, “which are critically important for all customers in the north-east region and nationally”. “These lines will be absolutely vital in providing secure, reliable and high-quality supplies in counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan, in ensuring greater competition in the Irish electricity market, in encouraging renewable energy, and maintaining secure electricity nationwide,” an Eirgrid spokesman said.

“These lines will help Ireland, and the north-east, to attract and retain industries and to service all customers.

“No large firm would locate in an area where electricity supplies were poor.”

EirGrid said no electricity line of that type and length had ever been placed underground worldwide.

“The method proposed- overhead transmission lines — is absolutely standard worldwide. Ireland already has two overhead lines at this same voltage from Moneypoint, Co Clare to the east of the country, totalling 439 kilometres. There are also thousands of kilometres of other high voltage overhead lines in Ireland.”