Grid Link plan ‘buried’ in election build-up

The local and European elections on May 23 will give everyone affected by the Grid Link plan — which will put pylons and wind farms across the South and East — a chance to have their say.

The issue has all but disappeared in the press, such that the Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte and Eirgrid are hopeful that they can impose their will on rural Ireland. Delaying the announcement of the Grid Link route until June is the Government’s attempt to keep the issue out of the news until the elections are finalised. I wouldn’t expect the opinion of Judge Catherine McGuinness’ expert panel, on the option of putting the 400,000 volt power lines underground, before the election, either.

Many people in the South and East rely on tourism to pay the bills and feed their families. Wind turbines and pylons will deface the beauty that attracts tourists from all over the world. Everyone in Eirgrid’s path has to deal with health risks, lower property values and the misery of looking at ugly structures for the rest of their lives.