Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

Communities across the country are angry and frustrated yet determined to oppose EirGrid's intolerable proposal to erect 250 monster pylons, carrying 400 kVA overhead power lines across Munster and Leinster. Thousands of people turned out for meetings in opposition to these plans and there has been significant development over the Christmas and new year.

The first was the revelation that there have been 35,000 submissions to EirGrid in opposition to these plans, and that shows the depth and strength of feeling of opposition to these proposals. In its submission, Fáilte Ireland has also criticised these EirGrid plans, and that body has particular relevance with regard to tourism and job creation. Every week Government Oireachtas Members and MEPs are appearing on the front pages of local newspapers and on local radio to oppose EirGrid's plans. I welcome this and hope it is not just another election promise to be broken when the local and European elections are over. The newly appointed chair of EirGrid told us he would not live near these pylons and today in the Irish Examiner , half of the Government Deputies living along the proposed route, some of them sitting behind the Taoiseach as we speak, have stated they would not live near these pylons. Almost three quarters have stated that this project would damage the landscape and tourism, and several have stated that they do not believe EirGrid's claim that there are no health implications.

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