Tractors stage anti-power line protest

More than 1000 tractors today took part in a massive protest against plans by electricity giant EirGrid to construct a power line corridor in the north-east.

The vehicles gathered in a field near Kilmainhamwood in Co Meath to spell out the words “No Pylons”.

North East Pylon Pressure (NEEP) campaign group want the 400kV lines on pylons from the border to Co Meath put underground but EirGrid said that was too costly and tough to maintain.

NEEP Spokesman Liam Cahill said burying them was in keeping with best international practice.

“It is technically feasible to do it and better from a health and tourism point of view,” he said.

“The cost of sending the cables underground works out the same as putting it overground.”

Cavalcades of tractors started from various points in each of three affected counties – Meath, Monaghan and Cavan – from early morning and converged on the farmland shortly after lunchtime.

EirGrid says the 200 million euro 110km project is essential to secure future supplies of electricity to the region.

There will also be an extra 30km of lines running from Co Tyrone operated by Northern Ireland Electricity forming the North-South interconnector.

EirGrid is to make a planning application to An Bord Pleanála later in the year.

EirGrid Spokesman Micheal Kelly said: “They (the line) will enable us to improve and to secure in the long-term the supplies of electricity in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.

“They will help improve competition in the sector.”

Mr Kelly also said it was difficult to detect and repair faults in the lines if they are placed underground and refuted claims they posed a health risk.

“At this time in the economy in Ireland it’s very important that the electricity cost must be kept as economical as possible. You can’t have any reliability problems.”

Mr Kelly said the company has repeatedly invited the protesters to meetings but they have declined, a claim strongly denied by Mr Cahill who said no written invitation has ever been received.