'I'll never let them through': Teresa vows to continue trees v power lines fight

Teresa Tracey has said she is "very, very relieved" to have been released from prison, following an appearance at the High Court today.

Her release came despite her refusal to purge her contempt of court for trying to stop trees being cut down to allow the ESB and Eirgrid lay a power line across her land in Co Offaly.

The 65-year-old spent 24 days in Mountjoy for obstructing the companies from building pylons on her lands in Clonmore, Tullamore.

In her absence, and before protesters intervened, her family permitted work to go ahead. Between 80% to 85% of the trees she wished to save were cut down.

ESB and Eirgrid said they were keen for Ms Treacy to take legal advice. They asked the judge to discharge the order committing her to prison. Ms Justice Laffoy agreed to the request.

A spokesperson for Teresa Treacy has indicated she may yet appeal to the Supreme Court the underlying orders that allow the power line to be laid on her lands.

Teresa Treacy remained defiant leaving court this afternoon.

"No I am not letting them through. I'm not letting them through the land," she said. "I will never let them through.

"I'm getting help, I'm getting a lawyer...and I'll never let them through."