Put the energy grid underground

No pylons. The destruction these monsters will cause is incredible.

Hopefully, every man, woman and child in the country will unite against the powers that be, who intend to blight our green paradise with these 50m-high shining steel structures.

Save us a national disaster and put the grid underground. That way it will have no health risks, it will be environment and tourist-friendly, and compatible with good farming practice.

This will ensure safety during lightning strikes, and no stampeding or killing of farm animals, poultry or bloodstock.

Think not of costs. Remember when the Shannon scheme was built (Ardnacrusha). The estimated cost of €5.2m was one-fifth of the entire national budget of 1925. When completed, in 1929, it was the largest hydro-electronic station in the world. Think of the courage needed by the government then. Eighty-nine years later, our ministers cannot muster up the foresight to put the grid underground, with little extra expenditure.

Ministers Pat Rabbitte and Simon Coveney have said there is no connection between health risks and pylons. Did they dream it, think it, or research it? Let us hope, before we hear from them again, that they will have brushed up their knowledge and expertise on some of the possible causes of leukaemia, brain tumours, Alzheimer’s and depression.

The most distressing point is that it has become a political issue. Ministers are worried they could lose their seats if they say the wrong thing.

What significance has losing a ministerial seat compared to the health, economic and environmental risks to our citizens?

These issues are far too grave and important.

Remember, there were many financial mistakes made in bringing our country to its knees.

Please don’t sign the death certificate of our landscape and its people.

Gladys Cowey

Inniscarra

Co Cork