Dividing communities is latest ploy

The pylon debate has reached a new low in the ‘persuasive’ measures utilised by Eirgrid and the Government.

Their new buzzword is ‘community gain,’ a concept designed to split rural communities.

Local authorities will oversee the payout of the 30 pieces of silver. It’s a wonder they didn’t ask Bord Uisce to do it while installing water meters. The people in the north-east have sense to see this for what it is — a cynical political stunt. And we thought we were going to get a changed Ireland.

How wrong we were. The price of power is arrogance and we have seen plenty of that in the last few months, in other matters as well as the pylon issue.

Only an arrogant Government would suggest a high-powered group of technical people to investigate the proposals put forward by Eirgrid on the basis of technical reports and costings drawn up by Eirgrid.

Who is going to look after the health concerns of people affected by these proposed pylons?

Why should people in Meath, Cavan, and Monaghan be treated any differently than people in north Dublin, where a cable was used and no pylons erected?

The Ireland of cute hoorism still reigns and the golden circle is alive and well — only the colours of the overcoats have changed.

People of the north-east, the time to show your metal is at hand. We have to prepare for one almighty battle.

Politicians have no interest, except power. We will have to deal with them in another forum and on a different day.

Cyril Darcy

Navan

Co Meath