Protest planned over power lines

Up to a 1,000 people are expected to attend a rally in Meath tomorrow protesting at plans to build high voltage overhead power lines linking the country’s electricity to the North.

Managed by EirGrid, they will run for 58 kilometres through the county on the way to Tyrone and local residents claim their presence poses a major health risk.

The Meath Pylon Pressure group is arguing the lines, which form part of the Single Electricity Market (SEM), should be placed underground.

Francis Lally, Meath Pylon Pressure spokesman, said: “Our community is very angry over the health implications of the high-voltage power lines.

“There are thousands of people who will be affected. Our key concern here is the health risk but the pylons will also blight the landscape and devalue homes and property.

“Our solution is straightforward, by all means install new power lines, just put them underground.”

As well as the 58km through Meath, the group said the lines will also run through Cavan, Monaghan and cross the border into Tyrone.

Mr Lally said that while EirGrid claim the power lines to be safe, international studies had shown that living beside them increased the risk of contracting cancers, childhood leukaemia or suffering miscarriages.

The lobby group said if constructed they would be located 25 to 50 metres from homes and schools.

To support their campaign they have referred to a British study, the 2004 Draper Report, which they claim found that children living within 200 metres of a power line were 69 % more likely to develop leukaemia, and those living between 200 and 600 metres away had a 23 % increased risk.

The meeting, which is being held in Trim, will be addressed by Professor Mike O’Carroll, chair of the UK organisation REVOLT (Rural England Versus Overhead Line Transmission).

Speaking in advance, Prof Carroll said: “The health issue is real and much more extensive than authorities like to admit.

“The risk for childhood leukaemia is doubled, and the scientific evidence implicates several other diseases. These powerlines may be important for Ireland, but their impact on local residents can be severe and unjust.”

SEM went live on November 1.

It is the first cross-border market of its kind in the European Union.

It is expected to provide a more efficient and cost-effective electricity supply.

The meeting will take place in the Knightsbrook Hotel at 8pm.