Taoiseach dismisses pylon network health fears
As opposition parties pointed to an Irish Examiner survey showing half of Government TDs along proposed pylons routes did not want them in their area as proof of Government hypocrisy, Mr Kenny moved to defend the controversial project.
The €500m Gridlink project, which proposes running up to 300km of cross-country pylons between Kildare and Cork, provoked concern from Independent TD Séamus Healy regarding health risks.
“International reports raise very serious health issues associated with the pylons, including childhood leukaemia,” Mr Healy said during leaders’ questions, as he urged the Taoiseach to postpone the matter until more health studies were conducted.
The Taoiseach responded that Eirgrid would consider the 30,000 submissions from the public regarding the proposed project.
“The World Health Organisation has said the lines do not represent any undue risk,” he said.
Ireland South MEP Phil Prendergast of Labour accused Eirgrid of lacking credibility.
“I am not the only dissenting voice in my party, as four out of five Labour TDs whose constituencies are affected by the plan have also revealed their worries,” she said.
“I support the view expressed by Labour parliamentary party chairman Jack Wall that an underground option should be considered.
“In light of the health, environmental and tourists concerns, as well as the significant Government opposition from both Coalition parties, the current Eirgrid project has little credibility and is untenable.”
Fianna Fáil energy spokeman Michael Moynihan said it was no surprise that Government TDs did not want pylons in their neighbourhoods.
“The Irish Examiner survey shows there is no doubt about the hypocrisy on behalf of the Government... This represents widespread concern about the project”, he said.
