Laois locals protest at substation plans

Locals in Co Laois have said plans by Eirgrid to build one of Ireland's largest substations in their area are "outrageous".

Residents of Ratheniska and Timahoe are protesting in Portlaoise this morning against the proposed substation.

They are expressing their concern about what they say are the potential health risks of the pylons and say they have not been adequately informed of the plans.

Vice chairman of the Substation Action Group Colm Fingleton said the plan had escalated from small beginnings as a "small power line to Kilkenny…into a sub-station with 11 power lines, which is outrageous".