INTERCONNECTOR

02/03/2016 by borderroamer

IMG_20160128_223901 A Bord Pleanála oral hearing begins on Monday 7th March into EirGrid’s latest proposal for a North/South electricity interconnector, one of the largest ever infrastructure projects in the history of the state. Two inspectors from the Planning Board began hearing submissions at the Nuremore Hotel in Carrickmacross.

The plan proposes building 299 pylons in the Republic to carry a high voltage (400kV) power line from Woodland in Co. Meath where there is an existing substation to Turleenan near the Moy on County Tyrone. It would pass through Meath, a small part of Co. Cavan near Kingsport and then through 42 town lands in Co. Monaghan. The line is due to cross the border at Lemgare near Clontibret, beside Derrynoose in Co. Armagh. eirgridLogo

The line is a total of 135km long. The Northern Ireland section is subject to a separate planning application by EirGrid’s subsidiary SONI. It is under review by the Planning Appeals Commission, which will hold a preliminary public hearing in Armagh on June 21st to examine legal aspects of the application.

The Commission was requested by the NI Department of the Environment to conduct a public inquiry under Article 31(2) of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 for the purpose of considering representations made in respect of the 2009 application. The inquiry opened on 6th March 2012 but was adjourned on 20th March 2012 when it came to light that the application and the environmental statement and its addenda had not been properly advertised in the press. The Commissioners recommended that before it was re-advertised, the environmental statement should be consolidated and updated to take account of changes put forward by the applicants in their evidence to the inquiry.

On 9th October 2014, the NI Environment Department renewed its request for a public inquiry into the 2009 application for the electricity interconnector proposal and asked that it be conjoined with an inquiry into the 2013 application for associated works. Copies of a consolidated environmental statement relating to both applications had previously been forwarded to the Commission. However, in a further letter dated 18th November 2014, the Department informed the Commission of the applicant’s intention to submit additional environmental information relating to the trans-boundary landscape and visual effects of the proposed development.

The Commission said it would take no further action in relation to the inquiry until:- the additional environmental information had been submitted and the public consultation period had elapsed;
the Commission was provided with copies of all documents relevant to and arising from the additional information; and
the Department confirmed that it had in its possession all the environmental information it considered necessary to meet the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and Regulations.

System Operator for Northern Ireland welcomed the news that the PAC public enquiry would recommence in June. It said the North South Interconnector was required urgently for security of electricity supply in Northern Ireland. It said the proposed project would reduce electricity prices and provide Northern Ireland with a secure electricity supply by linking the grids in NI and the Republic.

After being referred to the PAC, the Public Inquiry hearing originally began in March 2012 and was subsequently adjourned to allow the submission of further information relating to the planning application. Having received all relevant information, the PAC has notified SONI that proceedings can now continue, a major milestone for the project as SONI’s General Manager Robin McCormick explained:

“We are pleased to have been notified by the PAC about the recommencement of the public inquiry into the North South Interconnector. It is a critical piece of infrastructure, essential for a secure supply of electricity for Northern Ireland. It will also significantly reduce the cost of electricity for consumers across the entire island and will allow us to increase our use of renewable energy, reducing Northern Ireland’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. SONI has worked tirelessly to progress the planning application to make these benefits a reality.

“The project is fundamental to the Northern Irish economy and is supported by DETI, the Utility Regulator and all of the main business organisations including CBI, Northern Ireland Chamber and Manufacturing NI, but, in order to keep the lights on and to avoid increasing consumer costs, the interconnector must be built by 2019 and to that end, we would hope for a speedy resolution from the inquiry.”

“We understand that some people have concerns, especially when it comes to large infrastructure projects of this nature. We have teams on the ground, listening and responding to those concerns and would like anyone with questions to know that we are available for discussions, up until the inquiry begins.”

SONI’s specially appointed Agricultural Liaison Officer Fergal Keenan, is available to provide information about the project and can be contacted directly at 07966-930844 or via email fergal.keenan@soni.ltd.uk.

ORAL HEARING RE EIRGRID’S PLAN

28/01/2016 by borderroamer

Northern Standard Thursday 28th January p.1

The EirGrid application for a second North/South electricity interconnector using a high voltage 400kV overhead power line with over 400 pylons from Meath through Cavan and Monaghan to Armagh and Tyrone is to go to an oral hearing in early March. Two senior inspectors have been appointed by An Bord Pleanala to hear submissions concerning the chosen route in the Republic. Planning authorities in Northern Ireland have still to announce whether a hearing will take place in NI. The County Monaghan Anti-Pylon committee is one of the groups that will be represented at the hearing, due to commence before Easter. It has asked An Bord Pleanala for an extension of one week to February 11th to submit its reply concerning the agenda and organisation of the oral hearing, in order to comply with the Board’s suggestions about how the hearing should proceed. The Board says the hearing could last twelve weeks

EirGrid CEO Fintan Slye Photo: Michael Fisher

ORAL HEARING IN MARCH ON INTERCONNECTOR

22/01/2016 by borderroamer

Electricity Pylons beside a SONI/NIE sub-station in County Antrim Photo: Michael Fisher

The controversial plan by EirGrid for a North/South high voltage 400 kV electricity interconnector with overhead lines on 400 pylons from Meath to Tyrone is to be the subject of an oral hearing by two inspectors from An Bord Pleanála in early March.

Fianna Fáil Senator Thomas Byrne confirmed that the Board is set to begin public hearing sessions from next March. The hearing is likely to be held over a twelve weeks period in Carrickmacross, where a previous oral hearing took place in May 2010.

Senator Byrne is one of a number of public representatives who are strongly opposed to the project. He says he will be making a submission to the hearing to outline the serious concerns that residents in Meath have regarding the proposals.

“I’ve long held the view that this project is unworkable. There needs to be community consensus for the project and a far greater emphasis needs to be placed on upgrading existing infrastructure alongside ensuring that the new transmission line is placed underground,” said Senator Byrne.

“People in Meath feel that their concerns have not been taken on board by those pushing this project. They are not being treated equally as the development of new transmission lines in other parts of the country are proceeding with the lines being placed underground. However Meath residents are being told that the North South Interconnector has to be developed over ground. It’s unacceptable.

“Meath residents now have their chance to make their voices heard in relation to these proposals. I’ve been informed by An Bord Pleanála that the public hearing for the project will begin in March. I’ll be making a strong submission outlining why I think the proposals have to be cast aside. I encourage others with similar concerns to make a submission during the public hearings.

“In Fianna Fáil’s energy policy launched this year, we outlined that grid development such as planned under the North South Interconnector should be subject to a full economic review in light of our reduced energy needs. Fianna Fáil maintains that undergrounding the North – South Connector is the most preferential route along with upgrading existing infrastructure and this will form a key part of my submission,” concluded Senator Byrne.

Nigel Hillis of the County Monaghan anti-pylon committee said the fact the oral hearing is to take place has to be welcomed. He said a number of parties would be making a formal oral submission at the hearing. Formal notice of the hearing, including the agenda and the details of venue will be sent to all parties approximately two weeks in advance of the announcement.

In a letter to the 900 interested parties including individuals who made submissions (with a fee of €50) to the planning application submitted by EirGrid in June last year, An Bord Pleanála said that owing to the scale and complexity of the case, and the large number of written submissions received, parties are requested to indicate their intention to make a formal oral submission at the hearing, before 5.30pm on February the 4th.

Eirgrid Statement

“We welcome An Bord Pleanála’s decision to convene an oral hearing and note that it is likely to commence in early March. Each aspect of this process is managed by An Bord Pleanála. We await further detail from An Board Pleanála with regard to the upcoming oral hearing. Our offices in Carrickmacross, Cootehill and Navan will continue to be open in the coming weeks for anyone who has queries about our application.”

EirGrid’s plans to build the overhead 400kV power line from Woodland in County Meath through parts of Cavan, Monaghan and Armagh to Turleenan near Dungannon in County Tyrone were lodged in June 2015. Observations had to be lodged with the planning authority in Dublin by 5.30pm on Monday 24^th August. Over 900 submissions were received and because groups of people got together to lodge a single submission, the names of over 1500 were submitted, most of them opposing the plan and calling for it to be put underground.

Monaghan County Council was one of the prescribed bodies notified of the application.The planning department made a submission to the Board including comments made about the project by Councillors at a meeting. Cavan County Council and Meath County Council were also notified and the Cathaoirligh of each of the three councils including Councillor Noel Keelan of Monaghan have joined together to oppose the plans.

The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys T.D. was notified along with her Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Alex White T.D. The Environmental Protection Agency, National Roads Authority, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Fáilte Ireland, An Taisce, The Heritage Council, Irish Aviation Authority, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Health Service Executive, Commission for Energy Regulation, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Iarnród Éireann, Railway Safety Commission, Northern and Western Regional Assembly, Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly and Irish Water were informed of EirGrid’s plans and given the opportunity to make submissions. Additional notifications were made to Birdwatch Ireland, Irish Peatland Conservation Council, and the North’s Environment Department.

According to the Bord Pleanála website, submissions were received initially from Dominic Halligan T.D. (Meath East, Labour), members of Meath County Council; Michael Halpin; Meath Farm Machinery, Navan; Sean Byrne; Cyril Darcy and family, Robinstown, Kells, Co. Meath; Noel Meade; Eugene Connolly; Fred Smyth; Navan Municipal District Councillors of Meath County Council; Scoil Bláithín Íosa, Ballynagearn N.S., Magheracloone and separately, All Saints National School Doohamlet and Doohamlet Childcare Ltd.; Patricia and Coleman Ryan; Hugh and Bernadette Duffy; Eamonn McNally; Irish Water; Kingscourt Stars GAA Club; Philip Smith; Michael Coleman; Fr Brendan Madden; Meath Cllr Ronan McKenna, Trim (FF); Meath Cllr Damien O’Reilly, Ratoath (FF); Meath Cllr Claire O’Driscoll, Ashbourne (FF); Brendan Doyle and Barbara Doyle; Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly; North and Western Regional Assembly; David Murray; Eugene and Rosemary Cunningham Corlea, Kingscourt; Meath Co Cllr Shane Cassells, Navan (FF).

The North East Pylon Pressure Campaign said it would continue to provide support to all individuals, groups and organisations willing to make a submission and has been working closely with 97% of landowners who are in complete opposition to the planning application and who favour undergrounding.

When EirGrid made its submission in June to An Bord Pleanála, it contained detailed plans to erect over 400 giant pylons along the route of the interconnector. NEPPC says communities across the North-East are being discriminated against by Eirgrid and by the government because there is no underground option under consideration, unlike the Grid West and Grid Link projects. It says Eirgrid has changed nothing of any material relevance since 2007, when the project was first announced..

The grid operator for its part says an additional high capacity North-South interconnector will provide multiple technical and other benefits. These include improving competition by reducing the constraints that are currently restricting the efficient performance of the all-island Single Electricity Market; improving security of supply and supporting the development of renewable power generation by enhancing the flexible exchange of power flows over a large area of the island. It says these benefits will accrue to all electricity consumers on the island of Ireland.

EirGrid has stated that the proposed interconnector will also provide sufficient additional transmission capacity in the North East area of Ireland to cater for growth in electricity consumption for many years and will also put the area in a good position if an even stronger economic recovery should emerge in the coming years.

The new interconnector will increase the capacity, and the reliability, of interconnection between the two networks. This will allow the two independent networks to operate together as if they were one system for the mutual benefit of residents and businesses in both jurisdictions.The increase in interconnection capacity will effectively eliminate current restrictions in cross border support in the event of a shortage of electricity in one jurisdiction, thus enhancing the security of electricity supply throughout the island of Ireland.

Operating the two networks as if they were one system will bring cost savings for all electricity consumers as larger electricity systems can be operated more efficiently than smaller ones. The increase in interconnection capacity will also facilitate further and greater connection of wind generation in both parts of the island which will help achieve Ireland’s renewable energy targets.

EirGrid’s counterpart in the North, SONI, also believes that the new link is vital to ensure the effective operation of an efficient all-island electricity market, to support the realisation of strategic renewable energy targets and to exert downward pressure on electricity prices for customers in Northern Ireland. It will allow the all-island wholesale electricity market to work more efficiently, enabling wider competition between power generators and electricity suppliers throughout the island, and therefore ensuring that future electricity prices will be as competitive as possible. It will enable more renewable generator capacity (mostly wind generation) to be connected to the electricity network. The governments in both jurisdictions have set challenging targets for the amount of electricity to be generated from renewable sources, 40% by 2020, and these targets cannot be met without additional interconnection.

2015 REVIEW

07/01/2016 by borderroamer

How I reported the closure of the Bose factory in January in The Northern Standard Photo: © Michael Fisher

Northern Standard Thursday 7th January 2016

Michael Fisher looks back on some of the main stories of 2015:

BOSE CLOSURE

It was the first major story I wrote for the Northern Standard when I began covering the Carrickmacross area on a temporary basis a year ago. The news came out of the blue, creating shockwaves in Carrick that are still being felt.

In a statement of 290 words issued by a public relations company in Dublin, Bose Ltd. announced it was closing its County Monaghan facility with the loss of 140 jobs. It was probably just a coincidence that the news was released on a Thursday afternoon, the day on which this weekly newspaper is published. So the coverage had to wait until the following week. But this was a decision that had been taken some time beforehand at the company’s headquarters in the United States, where a plant in South Carolina was also being shut down.

Workers at the BOSE factory in Carrickmacross react to news of the plant’s closure Photo: Michael Fisher

What offended the workers most was the way the news was relayed to them. They were called into the canteen at 4pm that black Thursday (22^nd January 2015) and by video link were addressed by the company President. They thought it was going to be part of the usual quarterly update on company performance. Instead they were being told they would be made redundant in April.

After lobbying by union representatives and local politicians, the date for the shutdown was postponed until the end of May, in the hope that some workers might be able to find alternative employment. Some like Pat McNally had been with the company since it was established by Dr Amar Bose in July 1978. The plant provided final assembly for select home cinema systems and Wave radios for the European market, and some remanufacturing for the region.

Councillors pressed the IDA to find an alternative employer but so far no replacement has been found, although some clients have viewed the premises. In the aftermath of the closure it was discovered that the factory premises was now owned by a private group, following new arrangements regarding IDA leases.

The last day at Bose (May 29^th) was sad for all concerned. The workers came in small groups to collect their redundancy payments. The car park gates were locked and a few days later, the plant and machinery inside the building were put up for auction, bringing to an end a 37-year history of production at the site.

As they left the plant, the workers again pointed out that this had been a profitable operation for Bose, and their Irish base in Europe had never been affected by industrial disputes. They said they had always shown their loyalty to the company and had generally been treated well by their employer, until the founder of the company Dr Amar Bose had died two years ago.

In the words of the Carrickmacross-based Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy, the closure of the plant was devastating for the local economy and community who felt they had been let down by the government. It was the end of an era and a huge blow forthe whole of South Monaghan and beyond.

Minister for Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys T.D. congratulates Frances Treanor on her winning self-portrait Photo: Michael Fisher

TEXACO ART WINNER

In April an art student from County Monaghan won the overall prize in the Texaco Children’s Art competition. A great achievement by my neighbour, Frances Treanor from Drumdart, Tydavnet. The 18 year-old was rewarded with a trip to Tokyo to represent Ireland in an international art exhibition, along with a cheque for €1500. Her self-portrait drawing done in black ballpoint pen was part of the 16^th International High School Arts Festival along with some other Texaco award winners. Back at her home in Tydavnet she told me about her experiences in Japan, a country she said she would return to if she got a chance.

Her five days there introduced her to Japanese food such as tempura (fish and rice) for which chopsticks were used. She was served dishes of sushi and sukiakki and also got time to do some sightseeing. This included areas such as Harajuku, the Meiji shrine and Takeshita-dori street. Frances also visited a rural area a few hours outside Tokyo and saw a red panda being fed in the zoo. She noticed that the streets were very clean, as well as being busy and hectic. Everyone was carrying an umbrella, Frances told me, and there were special holders at the entrance to the museum where visitors could leave them.

The winning self portrait was completed by her in two weeks and was described by the chair of the judging panel, Professor Declan McGonagle, as having been executed “with the skill and delicacy of a master”. The talented Frances had featured among the prizewinners in 2012 when she won second place in her age category for her work “Lighting Up the Imagination”. She is one of seven children and is studying art at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, alongside her twin sister Maeve.

Frances was keen to thank her former art teachers at St Louis Secondary School in Monaghan, Teresa Mahony and Stephen Penders, who she said had always encouraged and developed her talent.

Electricity pylons beside SONI/NIE sub-station in Co. Antrim Photo: Michael Fisher

EIRGRID PLANS FOR INTERCONNECTOR

EirGrid has begun a fresh attempt to get permission for a second North/South electricity interconnector. It would involve the erection of over 400 pylons carrying a 400 kV high voltage cable across five counties from Meath to Tyrone, including Monaghan. There has been strong opposition to the plan, with over 900 submissions to An Bord Pleanála since the new planning application was submitted in June. The Board is expected to make a decision later this year on whether to hold another public enquiry into the plan. More details of the EirGrid response to the submissions and objections can be found on p.14 and the Northern Standard will continue to report on this controversial issue in the coming months.

INTERCONNECTOR OBJECTIONS

30/06/2015 by borderroamer

Checking the details of the EirGrid N/S Interconnector plan at the information meeting in Aughnamullen Photo: © Michael Fisher

ANGER EXPRESSED BY LANDOWNERS IN MONAGHAN OVER EIRGRID APPLICATION FOR N/S INTERCONNECTOR

Michael Fisher Northern Standard Thursday 25th June

Landowners in South Monaghan whose farms and property are along the route of the proposed EirGrid North/South electricity interconnector say it would ruin their livelihoods for generations to come and would cause the biggest destruction ever seen in Ireland. Many of them came to Aughnamullen social centre on Monday night to see for themselves the full extend of the EirGrid plans which were submitted earlier this month to An Bord Pleanála. The County Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee had obtained a hard copy of the application and large folders were spread out over a long table with maps showing the route of the proposed overground line, including the section close to Lough Egish.

EirGrid and its northern counterpart plan to construct 401 new pylons carrying an overhead 400kV supply line across five counties including Monaghan, Cavan and Meath. 109 of the towers would be erected in Monaghan. The power line from Woodland near Batterstown in County Meath to Turleenan near Dungannon in County Tyrone and passing across the border at Lemgare near Clontibret into County Armagh would be one of the biggest infrastructure developments on the island and so it was designated a Project of Common Interest by the European Commission

There is now a ten weeks period of statutory public consultation, running until Monday August 24th.

The Secretary of the Anti-Pylon Committee Mary Marron said they had organised three meetings in Aughnamullen, Cremartin and Corduff during the week to enable landowners to see exactly how their properties would be affected. They were also able to advise them about making submissions to An Bord Pleanála and what they needed to concentrate on. The committee will be taking its own legal advice on the application, she said.

EirGrid documentation about the N/S Interconnector Photo: © Michael Fisher

The maps on the table set out how pylons would be erected in townlands such as Cornasassonagh and Corrinenty. Landowners continued to question why they were being treated as second-class citizens, because the underground option was being considered for two other major electricity supply projects. They claimed the project would devalue their land. They felt that the plans to erect pylons would turn their land into construction sites and questioned the methods EirGrid would use for accessing their property.

LOCAL POLITICIANS OPPOSE EIRGRID PLANS

Monaghan County Council has set up a sub-committee to discuss the interconnector application. It will meet in Castleblayney on July 13th and draw up a response. The Ballybay Clones Municipal District will also be making a submission objecting to EirGrid’s North/South Interconnector project.

COUNCILLOR SEAMUS COYLE

Fianna Fáil Councillor Seamus Coyle, a farmer from Latton, said the EirGrid proposals were totally unacceptable to local landowners. He claimed that the company had not gone out onto the ground and looked at the situation for individual farmers regarding access to their property for the construction work on the pylons. He said the project was contrary to the Monaghan County Council development plan 2013-19 and the sustainable development of the county. He told the Northern Standard it was important that councillors supported the concerns of local people in relation to this project. He claimed the local access roads needed for EirGrid construction work would be totally unfit for purpose in areas such as Corduff and Raferagh. He claimed that the electricity transmission company had not gone out onto the ground to inspect properties that would be affected, but had done an aerial survey instead. This was in contrast to the approach adopted by SONI in the North, where engineers had walked almost 97% of the planned route. He claimed EirGrid had not taken into account the implications for fauna and wildlife in the countryside as well as heritage spots such as ancient burial grounds.

EirGrid documentation about the N/S Interconnector Photo: © Michael Fisher

MATT CARTHY MEP

Sinn Féin MEP for the Midlands North West Matt Carthy called on the public to engage with the consultation process and to outline their concerns. He said:

“Unfortunately, due to the Strategic Infrastructure Act enacted by the Fianna Fáil government with the support of Fine Gael, the planning process for the North/South Interconnector is, in my view, flawed. However, that should not prevent interested individuals and communities engaging with the public consultation process during which time the public may provide submissions and observations to An Bord Pléanala. The consultation closes at 5.30pm on Monday 24th August.”

Mr Carthy said Sinn Féin representatives had been working closely with all those groups and communities in Counties Monaghan, Armagh, Cavan, Tyrone and Meath who have been engaged in a campaign since 2007 against the EirGrid and NIE/SONI plans to impose 400kv overhead power lines and associated pylons on their landscapes.

“The concerns are very real; there are genuine worries for health, our environment, the landscape, the economic development of the areas concerned. The communities concerned have made their position crystal clear: the North/South Interconnector can only proceed on the basis that it is undergrounded. Sinn Féin fully supports that position and we will be preparing our own submission to An Bord Pléanala on this issue”.

“This project, despite 97% landowner opposition, is the only EirGrid project that remains unchanged since 2009 following its exclusion from the EirGrid national review. Report after report, including one published by the government appointed International expert commission have clearly proved that undergrounding of the power lines is both possible and feasible. Indeed, many argue that in the medium to long term, undergrounding is economically beneficial. I am calling on the public to take this opportunity to outline their position on this project and ensure that their voice is heard”, the MEP said.

€5000 CHARGE FOR HARD COPY OF EIRGRID APPLICATION

Matt Carthy was also critical of EirGrid for charging members of the North East Pylon Pressure Campaign (NEPPC) €5000 for each hard copy of the planning application. The group had requested four copies of the application for their members and had also asked EirGrid to provide a hard copy to each landowner affected by the application.

Commenting on the correspondence between the NEPPC and EirGrid officials, the MEP said:

“It is completely outrageous that a full hard copy of this planning application costs €5000. I agree with the members of the North East Pylon Pressure Campaign that the astronomical costs involved in obtaining a copy of this application will put it out of the reach of many in the community affected by the proposed pylons.”

“The message from the local communities could not be clearer – they do not want overhead pylons blighting some of the most historical landscapes of this country and presenting a real danger to their communities. This is another slap in the face to the community who have had to listen to PR exercise after PR exercise from EirGrid stating their full commitment to engage with local communities on the proposed pylons.”

Mr Carthy went on: “While I acknowledge that soft copies of the application are provided on CD, many people need access to a hard copy for various reasons and it would be expected at the least that the landowners affected could receive a copy of the application. EirGrid cannot expect to be to be taken seriously on its claims of extensive public consultation while communities are effectively excluded from the planning process and I am calling on the company to make the application more readily available.”

Sean Conlan T.D. Photo: © Michael Fisher

SEAN CONLAN T.D.

The Fine Gael T.D. Sean Conlan attended the information evening at Aughnamullen. He said the County Monaghan Anti Pylon Committee deserved great credit for the effort they have put into organising the series of meetings this week to explain to the landowners affected in detail exactly what Eirgrid proposed to do on their land. He strongly encouraged anyone who wanted to find out further information in respect of the proposed route and how it affected their property and their community and who wished to obtain advice in relation to submitting a submission to An Bord Pleanála to contact the committee.

Deputy Conlan said: “The resilience and collective objection of the community as a whole to this application is paramount in trying to achieve our ultimate goal of having this project undergrounded. It is very important that the community continues to stand together to object to this new application by EirGrid to overground the North/South interconnector. By standing together as one the community stands the best chance of defeating EirGrid in their endeavours to put this project overground. It is very clear to me that the communities affected are more determined than ever that EirGrid are defeated.”

“I am available at any time to provide any advice or any assistance I can to members of the community and landowners who wish to make submissions detailing their concerns about EirGrid’s application and how it affects them, their families, their farms and their community. I want to reassure everybody in all the communities affected that I remain fully opposed to the overgrounding of this project by EirGrid. I will be making my own submission to An Bord Pleanála opposing EirGrid’s application to put the interconnector overground.”

COUNCILLOR EUGENE BANNIGAN

Fine Gael Councillor Eugene Bannigan also attended the information evenings. He told the Northern Standard: “Over the last number of weeks EirGrid have published their plans for a new application to an Bord Pleanála where they are looking to build 401 new pylons over five counties. However EirGrid have not walked the full route so they don’t know what damage they could do to wildlife and protected species in the surrounding areas.”

Councillor Bannigan went on: “The recent launch of new farming schemes shows certain requirements are needed in order to be granted acceptance to the scheme, and this means land will be let go wild for Gaming and Wild Bird cover. So if a farmer on the grid is planning to let some of their crops go wild in order to meet these certain requirements, then the Department of Agriculture must help out, and if several farmers along the grid do this then it can slow up the process with An Bord Pleanála, and on the other hand you have the Department for Energy trying to let this interconnector grid go up. It doesn’t make sense as on one hand the government is trying to help farmers and this means let land go wild, and on the other hand, the government is trying to let EirGrid go ahead. So it’s the government versus the government.”

Brendan Smith T.D.

BRENDAN SMITH TD

Fianna Fáil T.D. for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith has criticised the Communications Minister Alex White for refusing to consider a motion by Monaghan County Council calling for the cessation of work on the North/South Interconnector so that the project could be undergrounded. The motion came on foot of comments made by EirGrid’s Chief Executive during a meeting of the Oireachtas Communications Committee, when he admitted that the undergrounding of the lines was technically feasible.

Deputy Smith commented, “I am extremely disappointed by Minister Alex White’s stance on this issue.  Despite submitting a range of Parliamentary Questions raising concerns about the fact that the underground option was not being considered, he failed to give any straight answers, choosing to evade the specific questions.

“The North-South interconnector is an extremely contentious issue here on the border. People have grave concerns about the fact that the Government appears to be content to press ahead with the overhead lines option, without giving due consideration to the possibility of undergrounding them.  This is despite the fact that the head of EirGrid told the Oireachtas Communications Committee that it is technically feasible to put the lines underground.

“It is extremely unfair that the Government is continuing to refuse a review of the North-South interconnector plans, especially in light of the fact that the other two Grid Link projects are being reconsidered.  People here feel as if they are being ignored by this Government, which is refusing to take their concerns on board, and is now even refusing to give credible answers to Parliamentary Questions, and has now effectively passed the buck back to Eirgrid.

“I am very disappointed with the Minister’s evasive and hands-off approach to this issue.  There has been a substantial reduction in the potential cost of the undergrounding project, yet Minister White is refusing to reconsider.  This is not good enough and the people of Cavan and Monaghan will simply not accept it. I will be continuing to put Minister White under pressure to review this project to ensure a safe and secure energy supply for people living on the border”, Deputy Smith concluded.

QUESTION: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the recent decision by EirGrid to submit a planning application for the North South Interconnector without consideration being given to the options of undergrounding this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Brendan Smith.

REPLY
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White)
In January 2014, an Independent Expert Panel (IEP) was established to oversee the integrity of the process being undertaken by EirGrid to report on comprehensive, route-specific studies of overhead and underground options for both the Grid Link (GL) and Grid West (GW) projects. While the North South Transmission Line project (N/S) is outside the IEP’s Terms of Reference, the IEP did agree, on foot of a request by my predecessor, to provide an opinion on the compatibility of the methodologies, to be employed on the GL and GW projects with what had already been done on the N/S project up to and including 2 May 2014, being the date that the IEP decided to examine the N/S project.

Having considered and discussed all of the material, the Panel issued a statement on 1 July 2014, indicating its unanimous opinion that, in all material respects, what had already been done on the N/S project is compatible with the methodologies being employed on the GW and GL projects.

On 27 March 2015 EirGrid published a new independently peer reviewed draft Strategy which allows for the achievement of an optimal balance between the competing demands of publicly consulting on necessary network development, choosing the best emerging technology options for that development, and minimising new build. The draft strategy found that there remains a clear need for the North South transmission line, and that the existing proposal for a 400kV overhead line remains the most appropriate solution for the project.

EIRGRID PLANS FOR N/S INTERCONNECTOR

19/06/2015 by borderroamer

EIRGRID PLAN FOR N/S INTERCONNECTOR WOULD AFFECT 42 TOWNLANDS IN COUNTY MONAGHAN

Michael Fisher Northern Standard Thursday 18th June p.10

(A copy of my article in this week’s newspaper. I expect that reaction will be published next week and in the coming months.)

EirGrid pylons in County Louth Photo: © Michael Fisher

The electricity supplier EirGrid has published its controversial plan for a new North/South interconnector, submitted last week to An Bord Pleanála in Dublin. A sum of €100,000 was lodged by the company with the planning Board. EirGrid and its northern counterpart System Operator for Northern Ireland want to build 401 new pylons carrying an overhead 400kV supply line across five counties including Monaghan, Cavan and Meath. 109 of the towers would be erected in Monaghan. Part of the application refers to a plan to operate a temporary yeard for the storage of construction materials at Monaltyduff and Monaltybane outside Carrickmacross near the N2 by-pass.

EirGrid pylon in County Louth Photo: © Michael Fisher

The power line from Woodland near Batterstown in County Meath to Turleenan near Dungannon in County Tyrone and passing across the border at Lemgare near Clontibret into County Armagh would be one of the biggest infrastructure developments on the island and so it was designated a Project of Common Interest by the European Commission. Such projects are deemed necessary for EU energy policy and are allocated the status of the highest national significance.

Public Consultation

There is now a ten weeks period of statutory public consultation, running until Monday August 24th. The full application documentation, including the Environmental Impact Statement and Natura Impact Statement is available online at http://www.eirgridnorthsouthinterconnector.ie

Hard copies are also available at a number of venues, including the offices of Monaghan County Council and Eirgrid’s local Project Information Centre at the Workhouse, Shercock Road in Carrickmacross, which is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 12 noon to 6pm.

EirGrid pylon on farmland at Ballykelly in County Louth Photo: © Michael Fisher

Submissions

Submissions and/or observations in relation to the EirGrid application can be made only to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, from Tuesday 16th June until Monday 24th August, accompanied by the statutory fee of €50.

EirGrid pylon in County Louth Photo: © Michael Fisher

This is an edited version of the EirGrid application form to An Bord Pleanála.

Application Form for Permission/Approval in respect of a Strategic Infrastructure Development

Please specify the statutory provision under which your application is being made:

Section 182A of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended)

Applicant:

Name of Applicant: EirGrid plc, with the consent and approval of the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) Address: EirGrid plc, The Oval, 160 Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

Telephone No: + 353 (1) 2370000

Email Address (if any): northsouth@eirgrid.com

Where Applicant is a company (registered under the companies Acts:

Name(s) of company director(s):

John O’Connor, Fintan Slye, Dr. Joan Smyth, Richard Sterling, Regina Moran, Dr. Gary Healy, Liam O’Halloran, Bride Rosney, Doireann Barry

Person / Agent acting on behalf of the Applicant (if any):

Name: Leah Kenny, Operations Director

Address: RPS Planning and Environment, West Pier Business Campus, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Telephone No. + 353 (1) 4882900

Email address (if any): info@rpsgroup.com

Contact Name and Contact Details (Phone number) for arranging entry on site if required/appropriate: Aidan Geoghegan (EirGrid Project Manager): + 353 (1) 2370000

Person responsible for preparation of Drawings and Plans:

CAVAN MONAGHAN STUDY AREA (CMSA) AND TEMPORARY

CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL STORAGE YARD, CO. MONAGHAN

Name: Robert Arthur, Project Leader

Firm/Company: ESBI Engineering & Facility Management Ltd.

Address: ESB International, Stephen Court, 18-21 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Telephone No: + 353 (1) 7038000 Email Address (if any): marketing@esbi.ie

Details all plans/drawings submitted – title of drawings/plans, scale and no. of copies submitted. This can be submitted as a separate schedule with the application form.

See Drawing Register in Schedule 1 attached to this Application Form.

Site:

Site Address/Location of the Proposed Development (as may best identify the land or structure in question)

(i) A new single circuit 400 kV overhead transmission line covering a distance of approximately 100.5km across the following townlands in the counties of Monaghan, Cavan and Meath:

County Monaghan: Lemgare, Lisdrumgormly, Annaglogh, Latnakelly, Tassan, Cashel, Annagh (Cremorne Barony (By)), Carrickanure, Clarderry, Cornamucklagh North, Derryhallagh (Monaghan By), Drumroosk, Cargaghramer, Cornanure (Monaghan By), Rausker, Terrygreeghan, Cornamucklagh South, Crinkill, Clogher, Drumguillew Lower, Drumhawan, Greagh (Cremorne By), Brackly (Cremorne By), Tullynahinnera, Cooltrimegish, Boraghy, Aghmakerr, Drumillard (Cremorne By), Tooa, Tullyglass, Cornasassonagh, Corrinenty, Ummerafree, Sreenty, Ardragh, Corvally (Farney By), Raferagh, Cornalaragh, Doagh, Corlea (Electoral District Drumcarrow), Scalkill and Ballaghnagearn.

(ii) Modifications are required to three existing 110 kV overhead lines in the following locations:

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Lisdrum–Louth 110 kV transmission line, in Drumroosk, County Monaghan.

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Louth-Rathrussan 110 kV transmission line, in Corrinenty and Corbane, County Monaghan.

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Arva-Navan 110 kV transmission line, in Diméin Bhaile Ghib (Gibstown Demesne and Tailtin (Teltown), County Meath.

(v) An associated temporary construction material storage yard to be located in the townlands of Monaltyduff and Monaltybane, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.

A full description of the proposed development is provided at Item 9, below.

Ordnance Survey Map Ref No (and the Grid Reference where applicable)

Transmission Line:

OSI Discovery Series 1:50,000:

 Monaghan: 2632, 2832, 2630, 2830, 2628, 2828.

OSI 1:10,560 (6”):

 Monaghan: 14, 15, 19, 20, 24, 27, 30, 33.

OSI 1: 2,500:

 Monaghan: 1159, 1160, 1220, 1221, 1219, 1285, 1286, 1354, 1355, 1423, 1424, 1490, 1557, 1624, 1625, 1694, 1695, 1763, 1764, 1766, 1824, 1825.

Existing 110 kV Overhead Lines Modifications:

OSI Discovery Series 1:50,000:

 Monaghan: OS2630, OS2632

OSI 1:10,560 (6”):

 Monaghan: 19, 24, 27

OSI 1: 2,500:

 Monaghan: 1219, 1220, 1286, 1285, 1625

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard: (Carrickmacross)

Irish Grid Coordinates: E 286200, N 302169 ITM Coordinates E 686132, N 802180

Area of site to which the application relates in hectares:

The primary element of the proposed development is a linear transmission line.

The proposed transmission line (comprising both a new single circuit, and addition of a new circuit along the currently unused northern side of the existing Oldstreet to Woodland 400 kV transmission line) is approximately 103.35km in length.

The proposed development includes 2 No. site-specific elements:

 Woodland 400 kV Substation: 0.544ha

 Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard: 1.4ha

Site zoning in current Development Plan for the area:

Transmission Line: None

Woodland 400 kV Substation: None

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard: None

Existing use of the site & proposed use of the site:

Transmission Line:

Existing Use: Primarily Agriculture

Proposed Use: Agriculture and transmission infrastructure (agricultural practices can still be carried out under the line and the land on which the structures will be located will be used for transmission of electricity)

Existing 110 kV Overhead Lines Modifications:

Existing Use: Primarily Agriculture and transmission infrastructure

Proposed Use: Primarily Agriculture and transmission infrastructure

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard:

Existing Use: Agriculture

Proposed Use: Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard

Name of the Planning Authority(s) in whose functional area the site is situated:

Monaghan County Council

Legal Interest of Applicant in respect of the site the subject of the application

Please tick appropriate box to show applicant’s legal interest in the land or structure:

Owner /Occupier/ Other x

Where legal interest is “Other”, please expand further on your interest in the land or structure.

EirGrid plc is the licensed Transmission System Operator for Ireland pursuant to the provisions of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999. Pursuant to the provisions of S.I. No 445/2000, EirGrid plc has the exclusive function to operate and ensure the maintenance of and, if necessary, develop a safe,secure, reliable, economical and efficient electricity transmission system.

The Electricity Supply Board is the licensed Transmission System Owner for Ireland pursuant to Section 14 of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999.

The proposed transmission infrastructure will be constructed by the Electricity Supply Board pursuant to statutory powers.

If you are not the legal owner, please state the name and address of the owner and supply a letter from the owner of consent to make the application as listed in the accompanying documentation.

The owner of the Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard to be located in the townlands of Monaltyduff and Monaltybane, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan is Mr. Peter Kelly, Dunanny, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. A letter of consent and approval to the making of the application from Mr. Kelly is included in Schedule 2 attached to this Application Form.

Does the applicant own or have a beneficial interest in adjoining, abutting or adjacent lands. If so, identify the lands and state the interest.

EirGrid plc, the applicant for approval, does not have a beneficial interest in adjoining, abutting or adjacent lands.

Site History

Details regarding site history (if known):

Has the site in question ever, to your knowledge, been flooded?

Transmission Line: Yes: [ ✓ ] No: [ ]

Some localised flooding may have occurred in particular locations along the length of the line route.

Existing 110 kV Overhead Lines Modifications: Yes: [ ✓ ] No: [ ]

Some localised flooding may have occurred in particular locations along the length of the line route.

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard: Yes: [ ] No: [ ✓ ]

While EirGrid is not aware of any flooding on this site, historical geological data indicates that a turlough may have occurred on this site. However, more recent and up-to-date information suggests the site is not a turlough.

If yes, please give details e.g. year, extent:

Are you aware of previous uses of the site e.g. dumping or quarrying?

Transmission Line: Yes: [ ] No: [✓ ]

Existing 110 kV Overhead Lines Modifications: Yes: [ ] No: [✓ ]

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard: Yes: [ ✓ ] No: [ ]

If yes, please give details: It is understood that this site was previously used as a construction depot for the N2 Carrickmacross By-pass project

Are you aware of any valid planning applications previously made in respect of this land / structure?

Transmission Line: Yes: [✓ ] No: [ ]

Existing 110 kV Overhead Lines Modifications: Yes: [ ] No: [ ✓ ]

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard: Yes: [] No: [ ✓ ]

If yes, please state planning register reference number(s) of same if known and details of applications See below.

Reg. Ref. No: Nature of Proposed Development

Nature of Final Decision of Application Grant or Refusal by Planning Authority/An Bord Pleanála

Transmission Line

VA0006 (An Bord Pleanála SI Reg Ref) The Meath-Tyrone 400 kV Interconnection Development. Withdrawn

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard

N/A N/A: however, it is understood that this site was previously used as a temporary storage site during the construction of the N2 Carrickmacross By-pass and was subsequently restored to agricultural use N/A

If a valid planning application has been made in respect of this land or structure in the 6 months prior to the submission of this application, then any required site notice must be on a yellow background in accordance with Article 19(4) of the Planning and Development regulations 2001 as amended. Not Applicable

Is the site of the proposal subject to a current appeal to An Bord Pleanála in respect of a similar development? Yes: [ ] No:[ ✓ ]

Description of the Proposed Development

Brief description of nature and extent of development

The proposed North-South 400 kV Interconnection Development located in Counties Monaghan, Cavan and Meath, which will be the subject of the application for approval, is approximately 103.35km long and consists of the following principal elements:

(i) A new single circuit 400 kV overhead transmission line (covering a distance of approximately 100.5km in the counties of Monaghan, Cavan and Meath) extending in a generally southerly alignment from the jurisdictional border with Northern Ireland (between the townland of Doohat or Crossreagh, County Armagh, and the townland of Lemgare, County Monaghan) to the townland of Bogganstown (Electoral District (ED) Culmullin), County Meath. In addition the proposed transmission line crosses the jurisdictional border with Northern Ireland at two points – from the townland of Lemgare, County Monaghan into the townland of Crossbane, County Armagh and back into the townland of Lemgare, County Monaghan. This transmission line comprises 299 No. new lattice steel support structures (ranging in height from approximately 26m to 51m over ground level), with associated conductors, insulators, and other apparatus.

The proposed new transmission line extends across the following townlands of County Monaghan, County Cavan and County Meath:

County Monaghan: (see Section 6 – Site)

(ii) Modifications are required to three existing 110 kV overhead lines. The modifications comprise the insertion of additional polesets and / or replacement of existing structures with polesets of shorter height (ranging in height from approximately 11.5m to 19m over ground level) in the following locations:

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Lisdrum–Louth 110 kV transmission line, in Drumroosk, County Monaghan.

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Louth-Rathrussan 110 kV transmission line, in Corrinenty and Corbane, County Monaghan.

(v) An associated temporary construction material storage yard to be located in the townlands of Monaltyduff and Monaltybane, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, on a site of approximately 1.4ha, including associated site works, new site entrance onto the L4700 Local Road, associated 2.6m high boundary palisade fencing (with noise barrier affixed) and associated ancillary staff facilities and parking.

(vi) All associated and ancillary development including works comprising or relating to permanent and temporary construction and excavation.

NOTE: See Schedule 7 attached to this Application Form which outlines the heights of the existing and proposed towers.

11. Where the application relates to a building or buildings*:

(*Note: temporary staff accommodation is proposed for the construction compound site – precise details will be agreed with the planning authority)

Where the application refers to a material change of use of any land or structure or the retention of such a material change of use:

Existing use (or previous use where retention permission is sought)

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard – Existing use is agriculture.

Proposed use (or use it is proposed to retain)

Temporary Construction Material Yard – Proposed use is as a Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard.

Nature and extent of any such proposed use (or use it is proposed to retain).

See Description of Development Item 9

Development Details Please tick appropriate box: If answer is yes please give details YES/NO

Does the proposed development involve the demolition of a Protected Structure(s), in whole or in part? NO

Does the proposed development consist of work to a protected structure and/or its curtilage or proposed protected structure and/or its curtilage? NO

Note: The proposed development passes through the grounds of a number of protected structures that relate to associated demesne landscapes.

Does the proposed development consist of work to the exterior of a structure which is located within an architectural conservation area (ACA)? No

Does the application relate to development which affects or is close to a monument or place recorded under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994. Yes

The line route passes near a number of monuments or places recorded under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994. (See Chapter 14, Volumes 3C and 3D of the EIS)

Does the application relate to work within or close to a European Site or a Natural Heritage Area? Yes

The proposed electricity transmission line will oversail two European sites (the River Boyne and Blackwater cSAC, and River Boyne and Blackwater SPA) in two locations; no towers are proposed to be constructed within these designated areas. The closest tower (Tower 355) is at a distance of 6m from the River Boyne and Blackwater cSAC boundary.

Does the development require the preparation of a Natura Impact Statement? Yes. Enclosed. (See Volume 5 of the application documentation)

Does the proposed development require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement? Yes. Enclosed. (See Volume 3 of the application documentation)

Do you consider that the proposed development is likely to have significant effects on the environment in a transboundary state? Yes

The proposed development is likely to have significant effects on the environment of an area of a Member State of the European Union (i.e. Northern Ireland).

16. Services

Proposed Source of Water

Temporary Material Storage Yard:

Other (please specify): If potable / drinking water is required, it will be brought to the site in tanks.

Proposed Wastewater Management / Treatment:

Temporary Material Storage Yard:

Other on site treatment system: [ ✓ ] Please Specify: Portaloos

Proposed Surface Water Disposal:

Temporary Material Storage Yard:

Public Sewer / Drain:[ ] Soakpit:[ ] Watercourse: [ ] Other: [ ✓ ] Please specify:

Settlement pond & grass swale

Notices

Details of public newspaper notice – paper(s) and date of publication

The public notice was published in the following newspapers:

Irish Times published Tuesday 2nd June 2015 (Notice in English)

Irish Independent published Tuesday 2nd June 2015 (Notice in English)

An Seachtain insert of the Irish Independent published Wednesday 3rd June 2015 (Notice in Irish)

Meath Chronicle published on Wednesday 3rd June 2015 but dated Saturday 6th June 2015 (Notice in English)

The Northern Standard published and dated Thursday 4th June 2015 (Notice in English)

The Anglo Celt published on Wednesday 3rd June 2015 but dated Thursday 4th June (Notice in English)

Copy of page(s) of relevant newspaper enclosed Yes: [✓ ] No:[ ]

Refer to Schedule 3 attached to this Application Form.

Details of site notice, if any, – location and date of erection

The approximate locations of the site notices are as follows:

County Monaghan (near the jurisdictional border with Northern Ireland, in the townland of Lemgare, County Monaghan): Irish Grid Coordinates: E 279779, N 328349 ITM Coordinates: E 679704, N 828355

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard (at the junction of the L4700 Local Road and the link road to the N2 in the townland of Monaltyduff, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan): Irish Grid Coordinates: E 286083, N 302232

ITM Coordinates E 686015, N 802243

Details of other forms of public notification, if appropriate e.g. website The application may be viewed on the following website: http://www.eirgridnorthsouthinterconnector.ie.

Other forms of public notification include: mass mailing to project stakeholders, including landowners, which includes the PCI Public Information Leaflet and a Community Update Brochure; and local print and radio activity to promote the opening hours of the Project Information Centres.

Pre-application Consultation:

Date(s) of statutory pre-application consultations with An Bord Pleanála

2nd December 2010

31st July 2013

15th October 2013

18th December 2013

23rd December 2013

Schedule of any other pre application consultations –name of person/body and date of consultation to be provided as appropriate and also details of any general public consultations i.e. methods, dates, venues etc. This can be submitted as a separate schedule with the application form.

Enclosed: See Schedule 5 attached to this Application Form.

Also see Volume 2B of the application documentation (Public and Landowner Consultation Report) and Chapter 3 of Volume 3B the EIS.

Yes: [✓] No:[ ]

Schedule of prescribed bodies to whom notification of the making of the application has been sent and a sample copy of such notification.

Enclosed: See Schedule 6 attached to this Application Form which identifies the Prescribed Authorities notified of the making of the application and copies of the letters notifying them of the making of the application.

Yes: [✓ ] No:[ ]

Application Fee.

Fee Payable €100,000

I hereby declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information given in this form is correct and accurate and that the application documents being deposited at the planning authority offices, and any other location specified by the Board in pre application consultations, including a website (if any) will be identical to the application documents being deposited with the Board.

Signed: Aidan Geoghegan, EirGrid Project Manager Date: 9th June 2015

CALLS FOR UNDER-GROUND INTERCONNECTOR

22/04/2015 by borderroamer

Heather Humphreys T.D. and Caoimhghin Ó Caolain T.D. at the anti-pylons meeting in Aughnamullen Social Centre Photo © Michael Fisher

PACKED MEETING TELLS EIRGRID: MAKE THE INTERCONNECTOR UNDERGROUND

Michael Fisher Northern Standard Thursday 23rd April p.16

It’s a controversial issue and feelings were running high at times. After nearly three hours a clear message emerged from the crowded hall in Aughnamullen Social Centre in Lough Egish on Monday night. The verdict of the meeting was that EirGrid’s proposed second North/South electricity interconnector must be put underground. Over 300 people attended the meeting organised by the County Monaghan anti-pylon committee. After hearing from four of the five local TDs and then a lively question and answer session, a motion was put forward by Fianna Fáil Councillor Seamus Coyle. It was seconded by Fine Gael Councillor Hughie McElvaney.

The motion instructs TDs to place a Dáil motion asking the government to instruct EirGrid to cease all work on the proposed North/South link and to direct Eirgrid to underground fully the North/South interconnector as a high-voltage direct current (HVDC-VSC) cabling along roads, as in the company’s proposal for a section of the GridWest link. Asked by a member of the large crowd if she supported the motion, local Fine Gael T.D. and Minister for the Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys said she would take time to read the motion before she agreed to it.

Seán Conlan T.D. Photo: © Michael Fisher

Deputy Sean Conlan said he would be bringing the motion to a meeting of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party at Leinster House due to be held last night (Wednesday). Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghin Ó Caolain and Deputy Brendan Smith of Fianna Fáil also contributed to the meeting and there was an apology from Joe O’Reilly T.D. and Matt Carthy MEP.

COUNCILLORS PRESENT

Thirteen of the eighteen Monaghan Councillors were present, including all six from the Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District. An apology was received from Cllr Cathy Bennett. Concerns raised during the meeting that lasted nearly three hours ranged from the potential health impact of the overhead line, the devaluation of people’s land and property if the proposed project goes ahead and the environmental impact and unsightliness of the pylons. Many speakers claimed that the people of Monaghan, Cavan and Meath were being treated as second class citizens compared to those living in areas that would be affected by EirGrid’s two other major supply projects, GridWest and GridLink. They said communities in County Monaghan had not been consulted by EirGrid about a possible underground option for the 140km line, which the company has estimated would be five times more expensive than the overhead plans.

The meeting was opened by the Chairman of the Anti-Pylon Committee, Donal McDaid. He said it was probably the most important meeting ever to be held in this community in recent times. It might well decide for the next 100 or 200 years whether they would have a blight on the community for generations to come. He said if the proposed planning application by EirGrid ended up in the courts then the cost to everyone would be twice as much.

A planning application for the proposed interconnector route from Meath to Tyrone will shortly be put before An Bord Pleanála by EirGrid. Nigel Hillis set out the timetable of developments in the project since their last public meeting in January last year. He said if the planning application was lodged in May, with a seven weeks period for formal consultation, it was possible there would be an oral hearing held in September or October.

Each of the TDs present was given an opportunity to comment on the situation. Seán Conlan T.D. said land owners had made it clear they wanted the link put underground. Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys T.D. told those present she supported them, but they must understand that she was limited as a Minister as to what she could do. Responding to a call by her party colleague Seán Conlan that she should veto at the Cabinet table any EirGrid decision on an overhead route for the interconnector, she said there was a misconception about her role in Cabinet and emphasized that she did not have any such veto. But if the issue was raised at Cabinet, then she would be making her views known.

The Minister said she had already raised local concerns with the Taoiseach, the Energy Minister Alex White T.D. and within the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party. “All I want is fair play and equal treatment for the people of this area”, she said. She repeated what EirGrid had said, that the proposed interconnector was a strategic and critical addition to the grid, allowing the operators on both sides of the border to operate a single market for electricity. The power requirements for the West and South-East of the country were different, she said. The Minister said she was in attendance to listen to the concerns of local people.

Sinn Féin T.D. Caoimhghín Ó Caolain told the meeting there had been a persistent refusal by EirGrid to engage properly on the proposed route. It would take the resolve of the local people and the support of political voices to change any decision. He would work with the committee and its supporters in passionate opposition to what was proposed.

Fianna Fáil T.D. Brendan Smith said the South East and West of the country were being treated differently from the North-East. The people of Cavan/Monaghan were not being offered the same treatment in the GridWest and GridLink options, which allowed for possible underground power lines. He would continue to lobby to have the interconnector put underground and would be conveying the concerns expressed at Tuesday’s meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications.

Terry Lynch from Ardragh, Corduff, whose family farm would be affected by one of the proposed pylons, claimed that they were being treated a second class citizens. He asked the speakers at the top table: “What are you going to do about it?” He said 400kV cables were being undergrounded all around Europe, across London, Madrid and even China and wondered why it could not be done in Ireland. “What kind of state are we in?”, he asked.

Naoise Gordon from Annyalla who lives adjacent to the proposed line asked Minister Heather Humphreys why the government was not supporting a clean and affordable underground option for the interconnector. Jim McNally, also from Annyalla, pointed out the effect it would have on the small farm homesteads in the area, many of them occupied by elderly residents.

The IFA Chairman in County Monaghan Brian Treanor told the meeting the Association’s position over the years had been very consistent since the project was first mooted in 2008. They would represent any farm families when EirGrid presented all its options, properly costed, to An Bord Pleanála, and the planning authorities would make the decision, which he hoped would be the right one. They needed to have all options on the table, he said. Mr Treanor said the farmers’ group was not anti-progress and they wanted to see development. He wondered if a smaller 250kV project was required, and whether there was a need for a high voltage interconnector to the North. There was a huge responsibility on EirGrid, he said, to do the least damage to the farm environment and to farm families. In response to criticism from the floor, he said the IFA had always demanded that EirGrid looked at all the options, but the IFA were not technicians or experts. They were demanding that best practice be operated.

The chair of the meeting Alan McAdam pointed out that over 90% of farmers on the proposed route were IFA members and they were against having pylons on their land. Patrick Lynch from Corduff asked who would want to buy any property where a pylon was situated: it would be left valueless. He claimed elected representatives had been shirking their responsibility.

In his closing remarks the Anti-Pylon Committee Chairman Donal McDaid said it was possible to get the government to change policy, as had been done when pressure was put on former Minister Pat Rabbitte T.D. over Irish Water. He re-iterated that people in Monaghan were being treated as second-class citizens. It was the duty of the Oireachtas to protect the Constitution and to ensure that all people were treated equally, he said. It was the duty of government to see to it that people in this community were not treated as second-class citizens. They wanted answers and an assurance that the government was prepared to protect the Constitution. We do not want to stop progress, but we do want justice, he concluded.

At the end of the meeting all present stood and observed one minute’s silence in memory of the anti-pylons campaigner, the late Councillor Owen Bannigan from Loughmorne, Castleblayney, who was described as ‘a giant of a man’. A vote of sympathy was passed to the local Fine Gael organization and to Mr Bannigan’s family. His son Councillor Eugene Bannigan was among those present.

EirGrid CEO Fintan Slye Photo: www.agendani.com

EirGrid CEO Fintan Slye Photo: http://www.agendani.com

EIRGRID CHIEF’S STATEMENT TO OIRECAHTAS COMMITTEE

On Tuesday, EirGrid’s Chief Executive Fintan Slye gave evidence to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications in Dublin. Mr Slye was accompanied by Rosemary Steen, director of public affairs, John Fitzgerald, director of grid development and Aidan Geoghegan, EirGrid’s project manager on the North-South interconnector.

Fintan Slye outlined the history of the project thus far. He said that last month the company published a draft strategy for the development of Ireland’s transmission grid and was now seeking public feedback. It was shaped by three key pillars, namely open engagement with communities, making the most of new technologies and a commitment to make the existing grid work harder before building new transmission infrastructure. The strategic review included an independent report from Indecon which showed that investment in the electricity grid would directly benefit Ireland’s economy and could help to reduce energy costs. A modern transmission grid, he said, would put Ireland in a strong position to continue to attract foreign investment and support new and emerging opportunities in the energy sector. This approach would also support Ireland’s current policy objectives, including the government’s Action Plan for Jobs and the IDA’s regional development strategy.

He said the review showed there remained a clear need for the North-South interconnector project and that a 400 kV overhead line remained the most appropriate solution, linking a substation in Woodland, County Meath, with a new substation in Turleenan, County Tyrone. It would provide a second high capacity transmission line between the Republic and Northern Ireland. The project would more than double the power transfer capacity between North and South, thereby improving the efficiency of the all-island electricity market. It would enhance the security of the electricity supply throughout the island of Ireland, which Mr Slye said was essential for economic growth, the creation of jobs and improving the standard of living and quality of life for all. It would also enable more renewable energy supplies to be connected to the network.

Mr Slye said the interconnector was needed now, as a cross-border bottleneck had developed on the all-island electricity system, which was having serious financial consequences. Last year the Economic and Social Research Institute reported that the second interconnector would remove the bottleneck and reduce electricity costs by €30 million per year. The proposed scheme had been the subject of public scrutiny and debate for some time, with the focus on whether it could be put underground.

Several independent reports on the issue have been published. The government-appointed independent panel, headed by Mrs. Justice Catherine McGuinness, acknowledged that the evaluation of undergrounding of the North-South interconnector was compatible with the methodologies being employed on the Grid West and Grid Link projects. Two themes emerge from all the reports, the most prominent of which was the finding that undergrounding the project would be more expensive. The international expert commission’s report concluded that an underground solution would be three times more expensive than an overhead option.

Mr Slye said that EirGrid’s own estimate was that an underground system for the North-South route would cost in excess of €500 million more than the overhead option. As a state-owned company the mission of which was to develop, maintain and operate a secure, economical and efficient transmission system, this was an additional cost EirGrid could not pass on to consumers. It was an additional cost that would not be acceptable to the Commission for Energy Regulation.

Whilst undergrounding was the only technically feasible option available for the East-West interconnector, the same could not be said for the North-South interconnector project. There were technical options to be considered and they had been, Mr Slye told the Committee.

EirGrid has recently republished its proposed line route that will form the basis of a planning application in the coming weeks to An Bord Pleanála. The company had been liaising with the board on the application for some months and had been doing so because eighteen months ago the European Commission designated the interconnector a project of common interest. This meant that the project was subject to a new EU regulation for trans-European energy infrastructure that was designed to facilitate a more efficient permit granting process. An Bord Pleanála was designated as the competent authority for managing the PCI process in Ireland and, in accordance with the EU regulation, EirGrid submitted a draft application file to it for review. Last month we submitted additional information to the Board which it is now reviewing, he said. Once it is satisfied with the draft application, it will draw up a schedule for formally submitting the planning application and the company expects this to happen very soon.

Mr Slye said open engagement with communities was a key pillar of the draft strategy. During the course of the project the company had endeavoured to meet every landowner affected by the development and had had productive discussions with many. Others have chosen not to deal with EirGrid directly, appointing intermediaries to represent them. This was their undoubted right and prerogative but was also a barrier to effective engagement and the company encouraged all landowners to talk to them.

Offices have been opened in counties Meath and Monaghan (Carrickmacross) and a new office would open shortly in Cavan. Mr Slye said they were encouraging anyone interested in the project to call in and discuss it with the project team. These offices would remain open right through to the submission of the planning application and afterwards. EirGrid staff will be on hand in the local offices to provide assistance for landowners and members of the public who wish to make a submission to An Bord Pleanála once the statutory consultation process starts following the submission of the planning application.

Concluding his statement, Mr Slye said the North-South interconnector was critical to ensuring a safe, secure supply of electricity throughout the island of Ireland. It would bring major cost savings and address significant issues around security of electricity supply, particularly in Northern Ireland.

LOCAL TDs RESPOND TO EIRGRID CHIEF’S STATEMENT

The first of three local TDs to be given an opportunity at the Oireachtas Committee to question the EirGrid Chief Executive Fintan Slye was Fine Gael Deputy Seán Conlan.

He said the communities in Cavan-Monaghan were very concerned that they had not been treated in the same fair and equitable manner as people in Grid Link and Grid West. There was a fundamental difference in the way they had been treated in terms of consultation compared with the people in the West and South. His constituents did not feel that they had been treated equally with people in other parts of the country. He said he had presented a petition from 95% of the landowners affected to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White T.D. They want a specific underground route option and they want to be consulted on it, he said.

He mentioned the meeting attended by around 350 people on Monday night in Aughnamullen community centre and said they were all totally opposed to the overgrounding of this project. There is huge community disquiet about the approach taken by EirGrid, he told the Committee. He also said there was no regional gain in Cavan or Monaghan from the interconnector project because the company had not included any converter stations. EirGrid had pointed out for the first time (in Mr Slye’s answers) that it was technically feasible to put the project underground for the 140km length of the line and that was welcome.

The company has said that it will take €500 million more to put it underground than the cost for overground. A number of questions were asked at last night’s meeting about the fact that the valuation of property has not been included in the cost of the overground option when compared with the underground option. There was also the question of the effect on tourism in the region if the lines were put overground. Deputy Conlan said Mr Slye had stated that the project was needed in its current form because of bottlenecks between transfer of energy between the North and South. But it was his understanding that the daily flow of electricity between the North and South was between 150 MW and 170 MW and that based on the company’s own figures and safety requirements, the current interconnector could take a capacity of 400 MW per day, but only 150 MW to 170 MW was being used at a maximum at tea time while the average is around 100 MW per day. There are three power stations in Northern Ireland producing up to 2,300 MW of energy per day.  The average daily consumption of energy in Northern Ireland is 1,200 MW to 1,300 MW. They can produce 2,300 MW per day. The maximum daily use ever of energy in Northern Ireland was 1,700 MW in December 2010 during the very bad weather, Deputy Conlan pointed out.

He went on: “Mr. Slye said there was consultation but the question I asked was why there was no public consultation about underground routes in the North-South project.

Mr Fintan Slye: Correct.

Deputy Seán Conlan:   So there was not?

Mr Fintan Slye: The underground routes were published and made available but there was not a specific consultation on an underground route. The Deputy is right. However, a specific underground route was examined and published. Members who have looked at the back of the PB Power report will see an Ordnance Survey map that sets out the route corridor.”

Mr Slye said EirGrid was proposing a community fund for the wider community and also a proximity allowance payable to householders in recognition of the fact that transmission infrastructure had a greater impact on those immediately adjacent to it in terms of their visual amenity. Responding to Mr Conlan he said:

“The Deputy raised the issue of bottlenecks in the current flow of the existing line, power capacity in Northern Ireland and projections for security supply in Northern Ireland…The Generation Capacity Statement, published every year and it approved by the regulators North and South clearly articulates the security supply issue that (would be) emerging in Northern Ireland in 2020 as security of supply margins dip below what is acceptable. That is due in part to the impending closure of some of the power stations in Northern Ireland. Security of supply is incredibly important to business, industry and the economy. Hence, reliance on the single line between North and South is limited by the fact that it is a single line and any one thing could potentially take it out of commission”, Mr Slye said in his response.

Deputy Conlan said the most significant point made by Eirgrid in his view was Fintan Slye’s admission that there had been no public consultation about any specific underground routes for the North- South interconnector. The international expert group had already reported in 2012 that undergrounding was feasible.

Caoimhghín Ó Caolain T.D. Photo: Sinn Féin

In a comment to The Northern Standard after the Oireachtas Committee engagement with Eirgrid’s Chief Executive, Sinn Féin Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said that important acknowledgments were made and other important questions had yet to be answered. “Mr Slye’s acceptance that an undergrounding approach to the North-South interconnector project is both ‘engineering and technically possible’ is important and is now firmly on the record” stated Deputy Ó Caoláin. “His comments regarding ‘other advantages’, though unspecified, and that consideration of the underground option was not just about cost was also important. The acknowledgement in answer to Deputy Conlan that “no underground route consultation with the public” had taken place regarding the North-South project was also an important confirmation of a truth the public had all known.

“I am awaiting response to other questions I posed and additional detail, including regarding the estimated additional cost per consumer per annum, and over what timeframe, if the underground option is to be proceeded with. Mr Slye’s initial response suggested a 3% to 5% increase in the cost per consumer, with a likely greater cost being placed on non-domestic customers. Having already stated on the public record that I would be prepared to accept an additional cost as a domestic consumer rather than have my neighbours and friends across the path of Eirgrid’s planned pylon supported project suffer the imposition of these monstrosities, I am keenly interested to explore Mr Slye’s calculation. The bottom line from this encounter is that Eirgrid are under no pressure from this government regarding the North-South interconnector project proceeding as Eirgrid intends. Until senior government voices make it abundantly clear that the underground option is the only way to proceed, then Eirgrid will keep to its plan”, concluded Deputy Ó Caoláin.

Brendan Smith TD

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Border Region Development Brendan Smith TD commented that a very important statement had been made at the Oireachtas All-Party Committee by the Chief Executive of Eirgrid. He said Fintan Slye had confirmed, in response to a question from the Fianna Fáil Energy Spokesperson Michael Moynihan TD, that the undergrounding of the North/South Interconnector was feasible in terms of engineering”.

Speaking to the Northern Standard Deputy Smith explained: “I outlined to the Eirgrid Chief Executive that there had been no meaningful discussions with local communities, that there was very serious concern and anger among communities in Monaghan, Cavan and Meath arising from the government’s decision to press ahead with the construction of overhead power lines for the North-South interconnector, despite carrying out a review of the other two GridLink and GridWest projects. The people of the North- East will not allow themselves be treated as second-class citizens and will continue to demand an examination of the current proposals”, he said.

“In 2009 it was estimated that undergrounding the cables would cost more than 20 times the cost involved in keeping these transmission lines above ground. This cost argument has been totally diminished and it is now widely accepted that the costs in laying the cables underground is now less than 1.7 times the cost of overgrounding.

The Cavan-Monaghan TD stated, “It is reprehensible that EirGrid are not factoring in the devaluation of land, the severe break-up of farm holdings, major disruption to households and the threat to the entire tourism and heritage landscape”.

Representatives of the County Monaghan Anti-Pylons Committee will appear before the Oireachtas Committee next Tuesday 28^th April, at 11:30am when it’s expected they will respond to the EirGrid submission. The hearing can be watched on Oireachtas TV.

EIRGRID DEFENDS OVERHEAD PYLONS

21/04/2015 by borderroamer

EirGrid banner for North/South Interconnector Photo © Michael Fisher

The EirGrid Chief Executive Fintan Slye has again defended the overhead options for the North-South interconnector and has confirmed there has been no public consultation with local communities regarding possible underground options for the 140km high voltage line. Mr Slye told the Oireachtas committee on Transport and Communications that pylons were the only way to proceed with a vital piece of national infrastructure and to fix what was a current bottleneck in the all-island grid system. Mr Slye told TDs and Senators that putting the line underground would add around half a billion Euro to the cost, which he says as a state company they could not justify in passing on to electricity consumers. Mr Slye said he was committed to proceeding with the line as soon as possible.

“Our view is that the most appropriate solution for a North-South is an overhead line and the planning application, a draft of which is with An Bord Pleanala as we speak, is based upon an overhead line solution. It is stating that as our preferred option,” Mr Slye told the committee. “The public should not have to pay for the cost of undergrounding when there is no enhancement of service”, he said.

Groups such as the County Monaghan Anti-Pylons Committee have been campaigning for power cables to be placed underground as part of EirGrid’s upgrading of the country’s energy infrastructure. However, a recent report said that this is not an option for the North-South route from Meath through Cavan and Monaghan to Armagh and Tyrone. Now Mr Slye has moved again to confirm this. He said there were also additional complications involved with undergrounding the North/South interconnector.

EirGrid has been liaising with An Bord Pleanála and landowners on the issue. “We have liaised with landowners and are inviting them to speak to us. They can make submissions when the public consultation opens,” Mr Slye added. EirGrid has opened offices in Cavan, Meath and Carrickmacross and Mr Slye said members of the public could visit to express their concerns or ideas on the project.

EirGrid CEO Fintan Slye Photo: http://www.agendani.com

Born and brought up in Dublin, Fintan Slye graduated in engineering from UCD in 1991 and went on to complete a masters in artificial intelligence and power systems restoration in 1993. He worked with ESB National Grid and ESB International between 1993 and 2002; this included consultancy on combined heat and power and market reform in continental Europe.

He then worked on the SE-Trans Regional Transmission Operator (RTO) project in the south-eastern United States between 2002 and 2004. A two-year term at McKinsey’s Dublin office then followed. He was appointed as EirGrid’s Director of Operations in 2007, and was promoted to Chief Executive in October 2012.

PYLONS CONTROVERSY

13/04/2015 by borderroamer

ANTI-PYLON GROUP STEPS UP CAMPAIGN AGAINST EIRGRID PLANS FOR ELECTRICITY INTERCONNECTOR
Michael Fisher

EirGrid substation at Ballykelly, Co. Louth near Inniskeen for North/South Interconnector Photo © Michael Fisher

A group representing landowners and householders opposed to EirGrid plans for an overhead North/South electricity connector that would be routed through south and mid Monaghan met last night to arrange a fresh campaign against the proposals. A public meeting has been organised by the County Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee to be held on Monday April 20^th at Aughnamullen Community Centre, Lough Egish. All of the county’s TDs and councillors are being invited to attend. Committee member Nigel Hillis told the Northern Standard their opposition to the plans was stronger than before.

Last week EirGrid’s Chief Executive Fintan Slye visited Carrickmacross as the company announced its new draft strategy for the future development of Ireland’s electricity transmission grid. It included updated plans for the North/South 400 kV Interconnection Development that would cross five counties from Meath to Tyrone.

EirGrid and its Northern counterpart SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) are jointly proposing a new high capacity electricity interconnector between the two networks. The draft strategy says there remains a clear need for the North/South Interconnector, and that the existing preference for a 400kV overhead line is still the most appropriate solution for the project.

The development would link a substation at Woodland, Batterstown in County Meath with a planned substation in Turleenan, in the Dungannon area of County Tyrone. EirGrid intends to submit a planning application for the North/South Interconnector in the coming weeks. Currently there is only a single interconnector, that runs past Ballykelly on the Carrickmacross to Dundalk road in County Louth (a few kilometers from Inniskeen) to Tandragee in County Armagh.

Shane Brennan of EirGrid (right) points out the route of the proposed interconnector Photo © Michael Fisher

At their public information office in Carrickmacross, SONI Eirgrid Project Manager Shane Brennan from Clontibret explained to me that the new interconnector would increase the capacity and reliability of interconnection between the two networks. It would allow the two independent networks to operate together as if they were one system, thus improving competition, and securing the electricity supply throughout the island of Ireland. EirGrid maintains that operating the two networks as if they were one system will bring cost savings for all electricity consumers as larger electricity systems can be operated more efficiently than smaller ones.

The increase in interconnection capacity will also facilitate the development of wind generation, which will help achieve Ireland’s renewable energy targets. Last November EirGrid submitted its draft application to An Bord Pleanála for review. The following month, An Bord informed EirGrid that it has reviewed the draft and that certain specified missing information was required to be submitted. Last month EirGrid sent in further information, as requested.

EirGrid pylon at Ballykelly, Co. Louth near Inniskeen Photo © Michael Fisher

Meanwhile EirGrid has re-published its proposed line route which will form the basis of an application for planning approval to be submitted to the planning authority in the coming months. This follows a review of the December 2013 line design. The review resulted in some of the proposed pylon locations being re-positioned along the proposed route, but the alignment itself was not changed.

Maps have now been made available showing the proposed route in County Monaghan. It takes in parts of Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, Magheracloone, Corduff/Raferagh then on to a controversial section around Lough Egish. The route continues to Drumhowan, Doohamlet, Annyalla and Clontibret where it skirts the battlefield site and then joins the Northern grid in County Armagh.

EirGrid has opened three project information offices, including one at the Workhouse in Carrickmacross where those with an interest can call in and meet the project team. The Carrick office on the Shercock Road is open on Mondays and Thursdays 12 noon – 6pm.

EirGrid information office Carrickmacross Photo © Michael Fisher

According to Fintan Slye of EirGrid, there remains a clear strategic need for a second north-south interconnector.
“We committed last year, to be open with people and find out what it is they want from this most critical of infrastructure. We are now asking people to give us their views on our draft strategy”, he said. Mr Slye concluded: “EirGrid must ensure the necessary grid is in place to ensure that Ireland remains competitive – fostering economic growth, attracting new investments, and supporting indigenous jobs. It must do this without placing too great a burden on communities, or too high a cost on industry. When we have received people’s feedback we will submit this draft to the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for its consideration before publishing the final strategy later this year.”

The County Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee has been campaigning against the overhead route for the past seven years. It has argued that the lines should be placed underground. Nigel Hillis, an engineer, said the need for a new interconnector had not been identified by EirGrid and they had not persuaded people living in the affected area that it was needed. This was not the case with another major infrastructure development when the main N2 road was being improved with by-passes around Castleblayney and Carrickmacross.

He said there was still serious opposition to the plans. One of the main concerns from the start, he said, had been the scale of the project, because the size and topography of the small farms in the county had not been taken into account when the positioning of pylons was being worked out. He said EirGrid had not identified the need for having big pylons on top of hills, close to a farmyard or houses. (The company said the centre of the proposed high voltage line would be no nearer to a residence than 50 metres).

Mr Hillis questioned why EirGrid was suggesting that part of the proposed GridWest scheme (up to 30km) could be situated underground using trenches alongside roads. He claimed that people in Monaghan were being treated as second class citizens and said they wanted to be treated the same as others.

The Dáil Communications Committee chaired by John O’Mahony T.D. has invited EirGrid to appear before them in the coming weeks to answer questions about the North/South interconnector. Mr Hillis hopes his group will also be given a chance to put their views across as well. From the first day of their formation the committee had argued for an underground route and that was now feasible, he said, as this option was being considered for the other two major grid projects.

Eirgrid says there are technical issues with putting 400kV AC lines underground over long distances and there would be operational complexities. It maintains that underground cables for the North/South route would be too expensive and difficult to install. Local residents however think the cost to them, their livelihoods, their homes and to local tourism would be equally damaging.

Northern Standard Thursday April 9th p.31 with pictures by © Pat Byrne

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EIRGRID DEFENDS OVERHEAD PYLONS

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