Doubt cast over Grid West project

Ciara Galvin

THE controversial Grid West project which could see the building of 100km high voltage circuit from Moygownagh to Flagford, Co Roscommon could yet be in doubt.
Following the announcement that the Grid Link project between Cork and Kildare will not go ahead, Eirgrid released a statement saying that the company will continue to ‘monitor’ planning decisions in relation to the proposed Oweninny wind farm. Chief executive with EirGrid Fintan Slye said the case for building the line would change if the Oweninny wind farm planned for Bellacorick was refused permission.
The company stated that consultation on the options for the project will take place following a decision by An Bord PleanΡla in relation to the Oweninny project proposed by ESB and Bord na Móna. The statement added that this would be done ‘to ensure we are developing the appropriate transmission infrastructure to meet the requirements of the region.’
EirGrid published the Grid West report to the Government-appointed Independent Expert Panel earlier this year. This set out the technical, environmental and economic aspects of three technology options for the high voltage circuit for the project which are, a fully underground direct current cable; a 400kV overhead line and, a 220kV overhead line with partial use of underground cable.
“We will be consulting on these options before we progress to the next stage of the project. We are currently working to implement our revised consultation commitments and intend to reflect these as part of future consultation on the Grid West project,” read the statement.
Disgrace
Speaking to The Mayo News, Knockmore man and anti pylon campaigner Dermot McHale said the people of Knockmore welcomed the decision and are calling for the GridWest project to also be scrapped.
The part time farmer and Irish Rail employee said that he and fellow anti pylon campaigners are calling not only for the project to be scrapped, but also for a complete moratorium on the building of wind turbines.
“It’s clear for any person to see, if these turbines are put up, tourism will be ruined,” said McHale.
Mr McHale questioned the money wasted by Eirgrid on the Grid Link project and the Grid West project.
“They have three offices open in Mayo, they’re sponsoring football and they’ve ads on radio and TV. All they are doing is wasting tax payers money,” said McHale.
He called on Fine Gael Deputies Michelle Mulherin and Michael Ring to seek the scrapping of the proposed project along with a wind turbine moratorium. “The ball is in their court,” he concluded.