Weir concerned over EirGrid route alteration

Weir concerned over EirGrid route alteration


Ciara Galvin

INDEPENDENT councillor Seamus Weir is calling for an open debate on the under-grounding of cables in the Gridwest project from Moygownagh to Flagford, Co Roscommon.
The former Fine Gael councillor, who stood down from the Government party following controversy in his electoral area over Gridwest’s plans, told The Mayo News yesterday that he was concerned about EirGrid’s announcement that alterations were being made to the current corridor route in Mayo.
Cllr Weir has put forward a notice of motion calling for a debate on the matter.
Cllr Weir’s intentions came before EirGrid yesterday announced plans to alter the corridor route along the GridWest route. The localised corridor alterations near Foxford and Ballaghaderreen were prompted by feedback and studies. They could result in less impact overall on residential properties in the areas concerned, according to the company.
In October 2013, EirGrid published plans for a kilometre-wide corridor running from north Mayo to Flagford for a new high-capacity power connection linking north Mayo to a strong point on the national grid.
Later this year, EirGrid’s analysis of the underground and overhead options for the project will be reviewed by an independent expert panel appointed by Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Alex White.
Cllr Weir said he had put forward a notice of motion for a debate on the topic of under-grounding cables, as he was concerned that EirGrid had become ‘quiet’ on the issue.
“I’m going to bring it up with the council and debate the under-grounding and ask that the  under-grounding principle be incorporated into the county development plan,” said Weir.
The Knockmore councillor said the news of alterations to the route was ‘worrying’ at this stage.
EirGrid says work on both overhead and underground options is being progressed ‘in line with the terms of reference set by the panel’.
Detailed maps of the localised corridor alterations can be seen at www.EirGridprojects.com/projects/gridwest/projectactivity or at the project’s information offices in Ballina and Ballaghaderreen, which are open from 10am to 6pm, until this Friday, September 5.