Weir ‘under pressure’ in anti-pylon debate

Weir ‘under pressure’ in anti-pylon debate


Ciara Galvin

A SPOKESPERSON for the Moygownagh and Kilfian Community and Landscape Protection Group has said it is ‘cynical’ of Cllr Seamus Weir to contemplate leaving Fine Gael in order to run as an ‘anti-pylon candidate’ in this year’s local elections.
Speaking in relation to the installation of overhead power lines across the preferred route corridor which includes Moygownagh, spokesperson for the group Eddie Farrell said Cllr Weir was trying to ‘run with the hair and hunt with the hound’, adding that the group condemn his possible intention to run as an ‘anti-pylon’ candidate.
“He is part of what brought this [GridWest project] on Mayo. It’s very cynical of him. We would welcome if he stood down,” Mr Farrell told The Mayo News yesterday (Monday).
In response to the claim that Cllr Weir is considering leaving Fine Gael, the Knockmore councillor said he was ‘under extreme pressure’.
“People are asking me to go in another direction .It’s to be considered down the road in a couple of weeks’ time. I’m undecided,” said Weir.
Meanwhile, Eirgrid opened two information centres along the controversial Emerging Preferred Corridor yesterday (Monday). The offices opened at Bury Central, Bury Street, Ballina and at The Square, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon.
The information offices have been put in place by Eirgrid in order to provide information to the public in relation to the installation of overhead power lines from Moygownagh to Flagford, Co. Roscommon. Project members will be available to meet with members of the general public.
Commenting on the announcement, Grid West Project Manager SeΡn Meagher said: “Since the launch of the Grid West project in May 2012, EirGrid has engaged in a process of extensive public consultation. At each stage of the project, the project team has hosted a number of open days to engage directly with the public and local communities. We also established a number of direct communication channels including a dedicated website, email, lo-call telephone number and text update service.
“We are pleased with the level of public engagement on the project to date. Today we announce that we will be opening two new information centres at key locations along the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor. We want to further encourage members of the public to come in and talk to us and to find out more about our plans for the project and next steps.”

Reaction
Asked if people in the Moygownagh area would engage with Eirgrid staff at these offices, Mr Farrell said ‘absolutely not’.
“People have signalled that they don’t wish to engage [with Eirgrid]. Who are they trying to engage with?” asked Mr Farrell.
Mr Farrell said it was possible that anti-pylon groups in Mayo could open up their own office in order to show what the installation of the 400kv over head lines would mean to people in North Mayo.
Referring to comments made by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny in Saudi Arabia on the installation of the power lines last week, Mr Farrell said groups were ‘disappointed’ Mr Kenny was ‘adopting the attitude that he is’ in favour and for ‘pontificating 5,000 miles away in Saudi’.

Cynical
Fianna FΡil’s Lisa Chambers has described the delay of a pylon route decision until after the Local and European Election as a ‘cynical move’ by Government.
Ms Chambers said it was clear that Fine Gael and Labour realise how politically sensitive the issue is for people around the country, adding that candidates for next May’s elections are ‘obviously worried’ about the impact the Eirgrid project will have on their campaigns.
“Delaying the decision on pylon routes is clearly a tactic to limit the impact the EirGrid project will have on the local and European elections for the Government parties,” said Ms Chambers.