Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am certain the Minister would not risk it. I heard Senator Aideen Hayden's words on health, that the WHO states there is no risk; however, the scientific committee on emerging and newly identified health risks, SCENIHR, in Europe states there may be a risk. Even if there is the tiniest risk, how can we risk putting one of these pylons near somebody's home? We have all met people who have pylons on their property. At one of the public meetings recently in Narraghmore a farmer who has only a small farm had a pylon placed there 20 years ago. He has never been able to sell his farm. All of the land around the pylon is completely sterile and his land is worthless.

When EirGrid made its cost estimate on this project, did it go into external costs such as those for landscapes, land use and property values? I have mentioned the cost to agriculture, our amazing equine industry, tourism, vegetation, wildlife and birds. Senator Thomas Byrne is out there. I am in south Kildare - I am originally from Tipperary - and I cannot find one citizen who is in favour of this. I know about the business side, but we must find a different way. Technology is moving fast, as Senator Thomas Byrne has said. Can we not wait a little longer and find a compromise? Can we put some of the pylons underground? There must be a better way than shoving up these ugly, revolting pylons, taking the risks and ruining the landscape and our beautiful countryside for future generations.