Agricultural consultant and valuer Richard Collins says landowners with genuine cases for compensation for powerlines on their property should turn to arbitration. In response, Eirgrid emphasises the benefits of electrical infrastructure, and says independent arbitration is available for any dispute.
THE ESB/Eirgrid proposal to construct a large high-voltage electric powerline between Dunmanway and Clashavoon in Co Cork (about 50 km) is causing much concern to the landowners whose land will be traversed. There can be little doubt that the erection of such powerlines and pylons will reduce the value of farms along its route.
Pressure from landowners over many years about damage done by road schemes and gas pipelines eventually resulted in reasonably satisfactory levels of compensation for farm devaluation. Not so, however, in the case of powerlines and pylons.
The Entitlement to Compensation: The Electricity (Supply) Act of 1927 gave considerable powers to the ESB, but did not provide for proper compensation payments to landowners for powerlines and pylons on their land. This was legally challenged by Gormley in a landmark court case (ESB v Gormley, 1985). In the Supreme Court judgement, the judge described the right to acquire a wayleave or easement over land to facilitate the construction of powerlines, pylons and masts, as a "burdensome right over land". This opened the door, and resulted in a provision in the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act 1985 for full compensation to landowners for damage done by electric powerlines, poles and pylons. There is now an undisputed entitlement to full compensation for damage to property as a result of these structures.
However, poorly focused efforts by landowners mean that the ESB still steadfastly hold that no such devaluation exists, and landowners remain unpaid for property devaluation.
Why is there a resistance to powerlines? Powerlines and pylons are a visual eyesore and, like any eyesore, cause a devaluation of the property on which they are erected. More importantly, however, there is now a very strong perception that they are a health risk, and this adds further to the property devaluation. Wayleaves and easements taken by the ESB/Eirgrid for the erection of powerlines are registered on the landowner’s property deeds. What most landowners do not realise is that the power given to the ESB/Eirgrid by the various ESB Acts also entitles them to enter any part of a landowner’s property to erect the powerline and afterwards carry out inspections and maintenance, and in emergencies, prior notice does not have to be given. This can have serious animal disturbance and disease implications. Helicopter flights over the powerlines for inspections are a regular occurrence, and can seriously disturb animals, particularly horses.
The combination of the eyesore, the perceived health risk, the burden on title and the access rights, constitutes a significant devaluation of property and appropriate compensation should be paid to landowners for this devaluation.
What are landowners paid? ESB/Eirgrid generally limit compensation payments to crop loss resulting from the construction works. In recent times, there may also be a so-called "facility payment" for co-operation with the pylon construction. However, there is an absolute and total resistance to an acceptance that these structures and rights devalue property, and accordingly, landowners are not paid compensation for same. By nature, landowners are generally co-operative, and will accept crop loss compensation and allow the works continue. It is only when a landowner may wish to sell his farm or erect a dwelling house or farm building that he realises his or her mistake.
The extent of devaluation: No two situations are the same. Clearly, the erection of a low voltage powerline across one corner of a very large holding, several hundred metres from the dwelling house and farm buildings, will not cause the same level of devaluation as a high voltage powerline with a number of pylons in close proximity to the dwelling house, through the centre of a small or medium-sized holding. This latter situation could be so serious as to ruin a potential farm sale, because intensive farmers and bloodstock owners would have no interest in acquiring such land, with the problems referred to above. In the former situation, the level of devaluation is likely to be insignificant, and generally would not justify a reference to arbitration for compensation.
What can landowners do? To disrupt or prevent the erection of powerlines is illegal. ESB/Eirgrid will absolutely refuse, except in extremely exceptional circumstances, to put powerlines underground — and there is no law to compel them to do so. Major protests aimed at having powerlines put underground have seldom been successful, and have generally been a wasted effort. The only realistic route for landowners is to pursue the matter by demanding appropriate compensation.
There is provision in the legislation for compensation for property devaluation, and if ESB/Eirgrid refuse to acknowledge genuine devaluation (as they invariably will), the landowner can have the matter determined by an independent property arbitrator whose decision is binding on both parties.
Landowners with genuine cases should not be afraid of the arbitration process. However, the case must be realistic, worthwhile, and must be properly prepared.
There is little point going before a property arbitrator without evidence and professional expertise to support the case. There is now real evidence that land with large powerlines has been selling at much lower prices than similar land without such structures.
It is not advisable to break the law, while there is a mechanism to get fair play within the law. The threat of having to pay legal costs should not deter landowners, because it is slight, in the right circumstances. As in all such matters, good and reliable legal and valuation advice should be sought at the outset.
Farmer discussion groups are now emerging as a useful forum for having the pros and cons of major issues debated. Large scale protests have been tried throughout the country, but do not appear to have achieved any worthwhile success, mainly because they have been aimed in either illegal or unachievable directions. In the final analysis, such actions are only a distraction from the really worthwhile opportunities that exist for getting fair compensation for property devaluation.
Experience: Having been involved in trying to get compensation for landowners for the past several years, my experience informs me that satisfactory results can be achieved if the approach is correct. The official ESB/Eirgrid position is that they will comply with the entitlement, as covered by the Gormley Supreme Court judgement, but as powerlines do not devalue a property, the compensation for same will always be zero, and if landowners think otherwise, they should go to arbitration. Unfortunately, this then frightens landowners, and the relevant compensation is foregone.
Despite the Gormley success in the Supreme Court, ESB/Eirgrid have succeeded in getting powerlines erected throughout the country, without having to concede that there is devaluation of property.
This has been achieved by powerful and professional management and PR work. Farmers should try the same approach.
Richard Collins is an agricultural consultant and valuer and can be contacted at FBA House, Fermoy, Co Cork
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label pylons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pylons. Show all posts
Friday, 4 November 2011
Monday, 22 August 2011
Protesters vow opposition to pylon network in Donegal
CAMPAIGNERS AGAINST a controversial electricity pylon network in Co Donegal say they will continue to oppose the project.
Singers and musicians including Brian Kennedy, Paul Brady and Clannad have campaigned for years against the 110KV Electricity Reinforcement Project which is being developed jointly by ESB Networks and EirGrid.
They claim the network of hundreds of new supply lines and large poles which will stretch to more than 100kms (62 miles) will blight the west Donegal scenery.
The ESB says the new upgrade is vital for the electricity network across the county.
Deirdre Brennan of Clannad said the group objecting to the overground poles, Alternatives To Pylons, will continue to oppose the project and more protest concerts will be held.
“There are many alternatives to these overground pylons but they are simply not being investigated by the ESB or EirGrid. What is stopping them putting this network underground like is being done in so many other countries? If it works for them, why couldn’t it work in Donegal?” she asked.
She said many areas through which the network was going, including Gweebarra and Gaoth Dobhair, had been designated Special Areas of Conservation but this was now being ignored by the Government.
“We are continuing to meet with landowners to inform them what signing over their land will mean to them in future. Once landowners sell the right to allow these pylons on their land, then they will lose all their rights for the future,” she claimed.
The project received planning permission from An Bord Pleanála in 2009 and is scheduled for completion by 2013.
EirGrid project manager Peter Graham said the line is vital to develop the electricity supply across the county.
“This is vital for Co Donegal. Having a secure electricity supply will increase Donegal’s potential to attract investment. Specifically, in the areas of Killybegs, Kilcar, Gweedore and Derrybeg we are at the point where new industry requiring large electrical supplies cannot be connected without this project,” he said.
Mr Graham said investment in energy infrastructure was every bit as essential as investment in road, rail and broadband.
Donegal needed to be able to guarantee potential investors in the region that business could be conducted safely and securely at all times. Without the new line such a guarantee was not possible, he said.
The construction is being carried out by ESB Network staff based in the county, supplemented by local contractors and suppliers.
Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs Dinny McGinley also gave the project his seal of approval.
“This is a much needed piece of infrastructure,” the Minister said. “As all of us from the county know Donegal has been badly hit by this recession.
“We must have the necessary infrastructure in place if we are to attract and maintain jobs and investment.
“I am particularly pleased that local contractors and suppliers are being employed by ESB Networks during the construction phase, providing much needed local employment.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Singers and musicians including Brian Kennedy, Paul Brady and Clannad have campaigned for years against the 110KV Electricity Reinforcement Project which is being developed jointly by ESB Networks and EirGrid.
They claim the network of hundreds of new supply lines and large poles which will stretch to more than 100kms (62 miles) will blight the west Donegal scenery.
The ESB says the new upgrade is vital for the electricity network across the county.
Deirdre Brennan of Clannad said the group objecting to the overground poles, Alternatives To Pylons, will continue to oppose the project and more protest concerts will be held.
“There are many alternatives to these overground pylons but they are simply not being investigated by the ESB or EirGrid. What is stopping them putting this network underground like is being done in so many other countries? If it works for them, why couldn’t it work in Donegal?” she asked.
She said many areas through which the network was going, including Gweebarra and Gaoth Dobhair, had been designated Special Areas of Conservation but this was now being ignored by the Government.
“We are continuing to meet with landowners to inform them what signing over their land will mean to them in future. Once landowners sell the right to allow these pylons on their land, then they will lose all their rights for the future,” she claimed.
The project received planning permission from An Bord Pleanála in 2009 and is scheduled for completion by 2013.
EirGrid project manager Peter Graham said the line is vital to develop the electricity supply across the county.
“This is vital for Co Donegal. Having a secure electricity supply will increase Donegal’s potential to attract investment. Specifically, in the areas of Killybegs, Kilcar, Gweedore and Derrybeg we are at the point where new industry requiring large electrical supplies cannot be connected without this project,” he said.
Mr Graham said investment in energy infrastructure was every bit as essential as investment in road, rail and broadband.
Donegal needed to be able to guarantee potential investors in the region that business could be conducted safely and securely at all times. Without the new line such a guarantee was not possible, he said.
The construction is being carried out by ESB Network staff based in the county, supplemented by local contractors and suppliers.
Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs Dinny McGinley also gave the project his seal of approval.
“This is a much needed piece of infrastructure,” the Minister said. “As all of us from the county know Donegal has been badly hit by this recession.
“We must have the necessary infrastructure in place if we are to attract and maintain jobs and investment.
“I am particularly pleased that local contractors and suppliers are being employed by ESB Networks during the construction phase, providing much needed local employment.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 5 August 2011
Protester hope as experts to examine interconnector plan
ANTI-PYLON protesters have expressed hope that an international commission, which is to examine the controversial North-South electricity commentator, will recommend that power lines for the project be placed underground.
The Minister for Energy, Pat Rabbitte, yesterday announced the membership of an international expert commission which will examine running part or all of the power lines underground through the route which goes through Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.
The commission’s members are chairman, Bo Normark, chief executive officer of Swedish electricity firm, Power Circle; Norwegian electricity transmission expert, Odd-Håkon Hoelsaeter and Belgian academic, Ronnie Belmans.
Mr Rabbitte said the three-member commission, which is due to report on its findings within six months, fully met the criteria of being expert, independent and international.
The Minister stressed that the commission was entirely independent, although it will receive secretarial support from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
Eirgrid argue the project is needed to facilitate the cross-border sharing of electricity and improve the efficiency of the electricity market and supply security.
The State-owned company said the 400kV interconnector would also reduce Ireland’s dependency on fossil fuels and help lower electricity bills.
Plans for the development of the €280 million interconnector collapsed last year when Eirgrid withdrew application for planning permission at a hearing by An Bord Pleanála because it contained incorrect information about the height of pylons, which was supplied by ESB International.
Under its terms of reference, the commission will review international expert literature on underground high voltage power lines.
Last night, anti-pylon group, North East Pylon Pressure welcomed the appointment of the commission.
A spokesperson said that while the commission’s members seemed to have stature, he would refrain from commenting further until they knew more about their background and experience.
He added that the group still had reservations about the commission’s terms of reference.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The Minister for Energy, Pat Rabbitte, yesterday announced the membership of an international expert commission which will examine running part or all of the power lines underground through the route which goes through Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.
The commission’s members are chairman, Bo Normark, chief executive officer of Swedish electricity firm, Power Circle; Norwegian electricity transmission expert, Odd-Håkon Hoelsaeter and Belgian academic, Ronnie Belmans.
Mr Rabbitte said the three-member commission, which is due to report on its findings within six months, fully met the criteria of being expert, independent and international.
The Minister stressed that the commission was entirely independent, although it will receive secretarial support from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
Eirgrid argue the project is needed to facilitate the cross-border sharing of electricity and improve the efficiency of the electricity market and supply security.
The State-owned company said the 400kV interconnector would also reduce Ireland’s dependency on fossil fuels and help lower electricity bills.
Plans for the development of the €280 million interconnector collapsed last year when Eirgrid withdrew application for planning permission at a hearing by An Bord Pleanála because it contained incorrect information about the height of pylons, which was supplied by ESB International.
Under its terms of reference, the commission will review international expert literature on underground high voltage power lines.
Last night, anti-pylon group, North East Pylon Pressure welcomed the appointment of the commission.
A spokesperson said that while the commission’s members seemed to have stature, he would refrain from commenting further until they knew more about their background and experience.
He added that the group still had reservations about the commission’s terms of reference.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Protester hope as experts to examine interconnector plan
ANTI-PYLON protesters have expressed hope that an international commission, which is to examine the controversial North-South electricity interconnector, will recommend that power lines for the project be placed underground.
The Minister for Energy, Pat Rabbitte, yesterday announced the membership of an international expert commission which will examine running part or all of the power lines underground through the route which goes through Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.
The commission’s members are chairman, Bo Normark, chief executive officer of Swedish electricity firm, Power Circle; Norwegian electricity transmission expert, Odd-Håkon Hoelsaeter and Belgian academic, Ronnie Belmans.
Mr Rabbitte said the three-member commission, which is due to report on its findings within six months, fully met the criteria of being expert, independent and international.
The Minister stressed that the commission was entirely independent, although it will receive secretarial support from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
Eirgrid argue the project is needed to facilitate the cross-border sharing of electricity and improve the efficiency of the electricity market and supply security.
The State-owned company said the 400kV interconnector would also reduce Ireland’s dependency on fossil fuels and help lower electricity bills.
Plans for the development of the €280 million interconnector collapsed last year when Eirgrid withdrew application for planning permission at a hearing by An Bord Pleanála because it contained incorrect information about the height of pylons, which was supplied by ESB International.
Under its terms of reference, the commission will review international expert literature on underground high voltage power lines.
Last night, anti-pylon group, North East Pylon Pressure welcomed the appointment of the commission.
A spokesperson said that while the commission’s members seemed to have stature, he would refrain from commenting further until they knew more about their background and experience.
He added that the group still had reservations about the commission’s terms of reference.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The Minister for Energy, Pat Rabbitte, yesterday announced the membership of an international expert commission which will examine running part or all of the power lines underground through the route which goes through Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.
The commission’s members are chairman, Bo Normark, chief executive officer of Swedish electricity firm, Power Circle; Norwegian electricity transmission expert, Odd-Håkon Hoelsaeter and Belgian academic, Ronnie Belmans.
Mr Rabbitte said the three-member commission, which is due to report on its findings within six months, fully met the criteria of being expert, independent and international.
The Minister stressed that the commission was entirely independent, although it will receive secretarial support from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
Eirgrid argue the project is needed to facilitate the cross-border sharing of electricity and improve the efficiency of the electricity market and supply security.
The State-owned company said the 400kV interconnector would also reduce Ireland’s dependency on fossil fuels and help lower electricity bills.
Plans for the development of the €280 million interconnector collapsed last year when Eirgrid withdrew application for planning permission at a hearing by An Bord Pleanála because it contained incorrect information about the height of pylons, which was supplied by ESB International.
Under its terms of reference, the commission will review international expert literature on underground high voltage power lines.
Last night, anti-pylon group, North East Pylon Pressure welcomed the appointment of the commission.
A spokesperson said that while the commission’s members seemed to have stature, he would refrain from commenting further until they knew more about their background and experience.
He added that the group still had reservations about the commission’s terms of reference.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 20 September 2010
Ryan criticised by anti-pylon group
Residents’ groups in Monaghan who are opposing elements of the Government’s €280 million North-South interconnector project have accused Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan of being “disrespectful” refusing to meet them.
The Co Monaghan Anti-Pylon Group said an announcement by Eirgrid that it will spend millions on a new application for planning permission for the high-voltage power line was a “perversion” of the planning process.
An error in the original application for the line through Meath, Cavan and Monaghan forced the State’s electricity network operator, Eirgrid, to withdraw the application on June 29th last, midway through a Bord Pleanála hearing into the issue.
The public notice, which was part of the application, stated the pylons supporting the power lines would be between 23 and 37 metres high, but it should have read 23-44 metres.
Eirgrid will have to resubmit its application for permission to build the €200 million power line to An Bord Pleanála and go through a second public hearing.
Spokesman for the anti-pylon group Owen Bannigan said residents now faced mounting costs as Eirgrid planned “another taxpayer-funded attempt to have the project approved”.
He said the group had been forced to spend “a substantial six-figure sum” raised by the people of Monaghan to successfully fight the initial application.
He said this had never been a case of “not in our back yard” and that residents had “repeatedly offered constructive solutions and suggestions, and have been repeatedly ignored”.
Mr Bannigan said that until the matter was resolved, thousands of people had to live with uncertainty around the value of their land, fear of the costs of another oral hearing, and concerns over the health risks of the project.
It had sought meetings with Mr Ryan to discuss the issue on a number of occasions but the requests had been “rebuffed” every time.
A spokesman for the Minister said the planning and construction of electricity transmission infrastructure was a matter for EirGrid as Ireland’s statutory transmission system operator.
“The Minister does not intervene in the day-to-day planning in relation to transmission infrastructure,” the spokesman added.
The Minister had met with community representatives who were opposed to aspects of the development during the pre-planning consultation phase.
He had also commissioned an independent report into the “comparative merits of overhead lines versus underground cables” and arranged for the consultants who completed the report to address the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
“The Minister has no role in relation to the planning process which is a function of An Bord Pleanála as the independent statutory authority in respect of strategic infrastructure developments.
“It would not therefore be appropriate for the Minister to intervene in any way on issues arising from the planning process.”
The original planning application was made last December, and the public hearing began in May.
An Bord Pleanála may not now be able to make a decision until next year, when the lines had been scheduled to be in place.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The Co Monaghan Anti-Pylon Group said an announcement by Eirgrid that it will spend millions on a new application for planning permission for the high-voltage power line was a “perversion” of the planning process.
An error in the original application for the line through Meath, Cavan and Monaghan forced the State’s electricity network operator, Eirgrid, to withdraw the application on June 29th last, midway through a Bord Pleanála hearing into the issue.
The public notice, which was part of the application, stated the pylons supporting the power lines would be between 23 and 37 metres high, but it should have read 23-44 metres.
Eirgrid will have to resubmit its application for permission to build the €200 million power line to An Bord Pleanála and go through a second public hearing.
Spokesman for the anti-pylon group Owen Bannigan said residents now faced mounting costs as Eirgrid planned “another taxpayer-funded attempt to have the project approved”.
He said the group had been forced to spend “a substantial six-figure sum” raised by the people of Monaghan to successfully fight the initial application.
He said this had never been a case of “not in our back yard” and that residents had “repeatedly offered constructive solutions and suggestions, and have been repeatedly ignored”.
Mr Bannigan said that until the matter was resolved, thousands of people had to live with uncertainty around the value of their land, fear of the costs of another oral hearing, and concerns over the health risks of the project.
It had sought meetings with Mr Ryan to discuss the issue on a number of occasions but the requests had been “rebuffed” every time.
A spokesman for the Minister said the planning and construction of electricity transmission infrastructure was a matter for EirGrid as Ireland’s statutory transmission system operator.
“The Minister does not intervene in the day-to-day planning in relation to transmission infrastructure,” the spokesman added.
The Minister had met with community representatives who were opposed to aspects of the development during the pre-planning consultation phase.
He had also commissioned an independent report into the “comparative merits of overhead lines versus underground cables” and arranged for the consultants who completed the report to address the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
“The Minister has no role in relation to the planning process which is a function of An Bord Pleanála as the independent statutory authority in respect of strategic infrastructure developments.
“It would not therefore be appropriate for the Minister to intervene in any way on issues arising from the planning process.”
The original planning application was made last December, and the public hearing began in May.
An Bord Pleanála may not now be able to make a decision until next year, when the lines had been scheduled to be in place.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Eirgrid defends interconnector plan
EIRGRID HAS defended its proposal to build an interconnector in the northeast which would link electricity grids in the North and South.
Residents of the northeast, led by groups including the North East Pylon Pressure Group, have argued that large pylons and high-voltage overhead lines are not appropriate in the area.
More than 900 submissions have been made to An Bord Pleanála relating to the plan for some 140km of 400 kilovolt overhead line on lattice towers from Meath to Tyrone.
A public oral hearing into the plan in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, was attended by hundreds of people as it began yesterday.
The part of the electricity line within the State will cover 100 kilometres and will pass through Meath, Cavan and Monaghan before crossing the Border to a new substation in Co Tyrone.
People living in the northeast have suggested a number of options, including underground cables along existing rail lines.
This would not interfere with animal or human health and would not have a negative effect on farming or tourism, they argue.
However, many of the objectors have accepted in their submissions that improvement of the electricity infrastructure is needed.
Louis Fisher of Eirgrid said yesterday that the development was needed to improve electricity competition by reducing constraints to the all-island electricity market, to support renewable power generation, to improve the security of supply and to maintain the reliability of the network in the northeast, .
If the interconnector was not built, it would put the reliability of customer supply in the northeast at risk by 2017, he said.
The second interconnector was also needed in case of an unplanned outage at the existing interconnector from Louth to Armagh, which would have serious consequences.
This outage would cause “widespread disconnection of customers in one part of the system and system instability or even collapse in the other”, Mr Fisher said.
The risk and serious potential consequences of power system separation resulted in more expensive generation and higher electricity costs.
There was nothing particularly unusual about this project in its design, construction or operation, said Aidan Geoghegan technical specialist with Eirgrid.
He said there was no difference between this and more than 400 kilometres of line already operating safely.
However, the masts in this project would have less of a visual impact, he said.
Mr Geoghegan dismissed submissions that underground cables should be used. Overhead lines were equally as safe.
Forced outage duration of an underground cable would be at least 10 times longer than an overhead line because they take significantly longer to repair. While an overhead line might take a day or even repair itself the underground cables could take four weeks to fix, he said.
Despite concerns about fatalities with overhead cables, there was not a single fatality on overhead cables (110kv, 220kv or 400kv) since records began in 1995, Mr Geoghegan added.
Underground cables were used in specific circumstances such as under the sea as in the proposed Ireland and Wales interconnector, he said.
They were also estimated to cost up to 10 times more to construct than overhead lines.
Eirgrid has also dismissed calls for using the route of disused railway lines or placing cables under roads as railway lines and roads in the northeast would be too narrow for the development.
The hearing is expected to last until the end of June and local authorities, residents’ groups and the Department of the Environment and An Taisce will appear before the board.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Residents of the northeast, led by groups including the North East Pylon Pressure Group, have argued that large pylons and high-voltage overhead lines are not appropriate in the area.
More than 900 submissions have been made to An Bord Pleanála relating to the plan for some 140km of 400 kilovolt overhead line on lattice towers from Meath to Tyrone.
A public oral hearing into the plan in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, was attended by hundreds of people as it began yesterday.
The part of the electricity line within the State will cover 100 kilometres and will pass through Meath, Cavan and Monaghan before crossing the Border to a new substation in Co Tyrone.
People living in the northeast have suggested a number of options, including underground cables along existing rail lines.
This would not interfere with animal or human health and would not have a negative effect on farming or tourism, they argue.
However, many of the objectors have accepted in their submissions that improvement of the electricity infrastructure is needed.
Louis Fisher of Eirgrid said yesterday that the development was needed to improve electricity competition by reducing constraints to the all-island electricity market, to support renewable power generation, to improve the security of supply and to maintain the reliability of the network in the northeast, .
If the interconnector was not built, it would put the reliability of customer supply in the northeast at risk by 2017, he said.
The second interconnector was also needed in case of an unplanned outage at the existing interconnector from Louth to Armagh, which would have serious consequences.
This outage would cause “widespread disconnection of customers in one part of the system and system instability or even collapse in the other”, Mr Fisher said.
The risk and serious potential consequences of power system separation resulted in more expensive generation and higher electricity costs.
There was nothing particularly unusual about this project in its design, construction or operation, said Aidan Geoghegan technical specialist with Eirgrid.
He said there was no difference between this and more than 400 kilometres of line already operating safely.
However, the masts in this project would have less of a visual impact, he said.
Mr Geoghegan dismissed submissions that underground cables should be used. Overhead lines were equally as safe.
Forced outage duration of an underground cable would be at least 10 times longer than an overhead line because they take significantly longer to repair. While an overhead line might take a day or even repair itself the underground cables could take four weeks to fix, he said.
Despite concerns about fatalities with overhead cables, there was not a single fatality on overhead cables (110kv, 220kv or 400kv) since records began in 1995, Mr Geoghegan added.
Underground cables were used in specific circumstances such as under the sea as in the proposed Ireland and Wales interconnector, he said.
They were also estimated to cost up to 10 times more to construct than overhead lines.
Eirgrid has also dismissed calls for using the route of disused railway lines or placing cables under roads as railway lines and roads in the northeast would be too narrow for the development.
The hearing is expected to last until the end of June and local authorities, residents’ groups and the Department of the Environment and An Taisce will appear before the board.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 9 April 2009
Eirgrid chooses potential routes for interconnector
NATIONAL ELECTRICITY grid operator, Eirgrid, said yesterday that it has narrowed down the potential routes for the €180 million link between Meath and Tyrone.
The State agency is planning to build high-voltage power lines between the two counties. The development will be part of the national grid, the core of the electricity distribution network.
Yesterday, Eirgrid said it had chosen “candidate” routes for the project. The first connects with the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) network east of Clontibret, Co Monaghan. It then runs south-east around Lough Egish and Shantonagh Lough and on to Kingscourt, Co Cavan.
The second line will run from Woodland, Co Meath, skirting around Trim and Tara, to Kilmainhamwood. Eirgrid said yesterday the routes will be subject to further studies, and added that no decision will be made until these are completed.
Tomás Mahony, EirGrid senior project engineer, said that to get to this point, the agency carried out feasibility studies of each route. “These line routes will now be taken forward to the next phase of project development, involving discussions with landowners as a priority, further studies and stakeholder engagement,” he said.
The north-east link is a key part of development of the national grid, according to Eirgrid. The connection is needed to guarantee power supplies to the northeast and to boost interconnection between the Republic and the North, which now have a common electricity market.
Eirgrid intends running the 400 kilovolt (KV) lines over 70km on overhead pylons. A local organisation, the North East Pylon Pressure group, wants the agency to place them underground, and has suggested a disused railway line as a possible route.
A study jointly commissioned by Eirgrid and NIE from Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB Power) and published in February found that the extra cost involved in running the lines underground could be as much as €500 million.
It pointed out that there are no underground power lines of the same length and capacity anywhere in the world.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The State agency is planning to build high-voltage power lines between the two counties. The development will be part of the national grid, the core of the electricity distribution network.
Yesterday, Eirgrid said it had chosen “candidate” routes for the project. The first connects with the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) network east of Clontibret, Co Monaghan. It then runs south-east around Lough Egish and Shantonagh Lough and on to Kingscourt, Co Cavan.
The second line will run from Woodland, Co Meath, skirting around Trim and Tara, to Kilmainhamwood. Eirgrid said yesterday the routes will be subject to further studies, and added that no decision will be made until these are completed.
Tomás Mahony, EirGrid senior project engineer, said that to get to this point, the agency carried out feasibility studies of each route. “These line routes will now be taken forward to the next phase of project development, involving discussions with landowners as a priority, further studies and stakeholder engagement,” he said.
The north-east link is a key part of development of the national grid, according to Eirgrid. The connection is needed to guarantee power supplies to the northeast and to boost interconnection between the Republic and the North, which now have a common electricity market.
Eirgrid intends running the 400 kilovolt (KV) lines over 70km on overhead pylons. A local organisation, the North East Pylon Pressure group, wants the agency to place them underground, and has suggested a disused railway line as a possible route.
A study jointly commissioned by Eirgrid and NIE from Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB Power) and published in February found that the extra cost involved in running the lines underground could be as much as €500 million.
It pointed out that there are no underground power lines of the same length and capacity anywhere in the world.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Eirgrid takes action to overturn pylon ban
EIRGRID HAS initiated a court action to overturn a ban by Monaghan County Council on the location, as part of a €184 million cross-Border energy sharing project, of high-voltage overhead power lines close to schools, workplaces and homes.
Eirgrid is seeking leave to bring a judicial review challenge to the council’s decision of January 5th last to vary the Monaghan County Development Plan so as to prevent the location of high-density overhead power lines in excess of 220kv within 100m of any house, school, sports field or place of work.
The council said its reasons were to protect the Drumlin landscape of Co Monaghan and to ensure the lines did not impact negatively on people’s homes, workplaces or places of leisure.
Eirgrid claims the first reason cannot be achieved by the variation while the second is “unreasonably broad”.
It also alleges the council failed to have regard to advice from the county manager stating the variation was contrary to relevant national plans and and would frustrate Government policy.
Eirgrid also claims the council breached fair procedures and/or erred in law in not making available to either Eirgrid or the public submissions to the council from the North East Pylon Pressure (NEPP) group arguing that the power lines should be placed underground.
Eirgrid’s application was admitted to the Commercial Court yesterday by Mr Justice Peter Kelly and adjourned so certain parties, including the pylon pressure group, may be notified of the proceedings.
The case arises over two projects planned by Eirgrid.
The first involves erection of an 80km-long 400kv connection line between Cavan and Tyrone, 35km of which will pass through Co Monaghan, while the second involves erection of a 58km, 400kv connection between Woodland, Co Meath and Kingscourt, Co Cavan.
Eirgrid is seeking planning approval for both projects directly from An Bord Pleanála under the Planning and Development Act 2006.
Both the council and the NEPP have criticised as anti-democratic the provision of the 2006 Act allowing for such direct planning applications.
As the Cavan-Tyrone line project involves an overhead line of more than 222kv, that project will constitute a material contravention of the Monaghan Development Plan if the council’s ban is not overturned, Eirgrid claims.
That was likely to have a negative effect on the planning application, it said.
The Cavan-Tyrone interconnector project will cost some €184 million and about €2.7 million has been spent on it to date, Eirgrid added. If An Bord Pleanála refused permission based on the council’s decision, this would have “serious consequences” for the development of the electricity transmission system in Ireland.
The project would also facilitate government policy as it would contribute to the target of achieving 40 per cent of electricity to be generated from renewables, Eirgrid said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Eirgrid is seeking leave to bring a judicial review challenge to the council’s decision of January 5th last to vary the Monaghan County Development Plan so as to prevent the location of high-density overhead power lines in excess of 220kv within 100m of any house, school, sports field or place of work.
The council said its reasons were to protect the Drumlin landscape of Co Monaghan and to ensure the lines did not impact negatively on people’s homes, workplaces or places of leisure.
Eirgrid claims the first reason cannot be achieved by the variation while the second is “unreasonably broad”.
It also alleges the council failed to have regard to advice from the county manager stating the variation was contrary to relevant national plans and and would frustrate Government policy.
Eirgrid also claims the council breached fair procedures and/or erred in law in not making available to either Eirgrid or the public submissions to the council from the North East Pylon Pressure (NEPP) group arguing that the power lines should be placed underground.
Eirgrid’s application was admitted to the Commercial Court yesterday by Mr Justice Peter Kelly and adjourned so certain parties, including the pylon pressure group, may be notified of the proceedings.
The case arises over two projects planned by Eirgrid.
The first involves erection of an 80km-long 400kv connection line between Cavan and Tyrone, 35km of which will pass through Co Monaghan, while the second involves erection of a 58km, 400kv connection between Woodland, Co Meath and Kingscourt, Co Cavan.
Eirgrid is seeking planning approval for both projects directly from An Bord Pleanála under the Planning and Development Act 2006.
Both the council and the NEPP have criticised as anti-democratic the provision of the 2006 Act allowing for such direct planning applications.
As the Cavan-Tyrone line project involves an overhead line of more than 222kv, that project will constitute a material contravention of the Monaghan Development Plan if the council’s ban is not overturned, Eirgrid claims.
That was likely to have a negative effect on the planning application, it said.
The Cavan-Tyrone interconnector project will cost some €184 million and about €2.7 million has been spent on it to date, Eirgrid added. If An Bord Pleanála refused permission based on the council’s decision, this would have “serious consequences” for the development of the electricity transmission system in Ireland.
The project would also facilitate government policy as it would contribute to the target of achieving 40 per cent of electricity to be generated from renewables, Eirgrid said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Electricity lines 'cheaper and safer' underground - report
The national electricity grid operator Eirgrid’s proposed North/South electricity transmission lines should be put underground, according to a report published today by a German firm of consultants in electricity generation and transmission.
The report by ASKON Consulting was commissioned by the North East Pylon Pressure (NEPP) group to resolve public concerns in relation to the plan to build 140 kilometres of high-voltage power lines and pylons linking Meath, Cavan, Monaghan and Tyrone.
It looked at the affordability, reliability, safety, efficiency and security of placing the transmission lines underground.
The report claims parallel underground Alternating Current (AC) cables are cheaper to build and maintain as well as being more reliable and quicker to repair. It also says putting the lines underground would limit people’s exposure to electromagnetic fields
The report recommends using two parallel underground systems consisting of three aluminium cables, 1.4 metres beneath the surface.
Another advantage of putting the lines underground is that an underground cable project would take only four years to complete compared to 7.5 years for overhead lines, according to the report.
Speaking at the launch of the report, Dr Colin Andrew of the NEPP said it provided the "conclusive results we need to influence the policy and decisions of the Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan to inform Government policy and to win the support of all the political parties".
He called on Eirgrid to review its strategy in relation to the feasibility and affordability of placing the lines underground and urged the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Rources to institute public hearings in the light of the report.
A spokesman for Eirgrid said it would study the report and make its project team available to meet with the NEPP.
EirGrid project engineer Tomas Mahony said, however, that it was important people remembered what international experts EcoFys had found in their report published last July.
EcoFys weighed up the pros and cons of pylons versus underground cabling. They found that putting the lines underground would cost five times as much, and three times as much to maintain, as overhead cables.
“The report said nowhere in the world are there underground cables of the lengths required for the proposed 400kV power lines,” he said.
“Underground cables of the length we need are not technically feasible to build. No-one has done it anywhere else in the world and 97 per cent of similar transmission lines in Europe are overhead.”
Mr Mahony said it was EirGrid’s role to ensure the needs of the country are met with a safe secure and reliable power system.
“We cannot take the risk of putting in place unproven technology. This is critical infrastructure for the development of the North East," he said.
Fine Gael spokesman on Energy Simon Coveney welcomed the publication of the report saying it should be taken seriously by the Minister and Eirgrid when making future decisions on electricity grid infrastructure across the country.
“People in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan are concerned at plans to build new high-voltage power lines. We have a responsibility to examine and explore the viability of putting this infrastructure underground,” he said.
“Issues around safety, cost, maintenance and reliability of course all need to be examined.”
Irishtimes.com
www.buckplanning.ie
The report by ASKON Consulting was commissioned by the North East Pylon Pressure (NEPP) group to resolve public concerns in relation to the plan to build 140 kilometres of high-voltage power lines and pylons linking Meath, Cavan, Monaghan and Tyrone.
It looked at the affordability, reliability, safety, efficiency and security of placing the transmission lines underground.
The report claims parallel underground Alternating Current (AC) cables are cheaper to build and maintain as well as being more reliable and quicker to repair. It also says putting the lines underground would limit people’s exposure to electromagnetic fields
The report recommends using two parallel underground systems consisting of three aluminium cables, 1.4 metres beneath the surface.
Another advantage of putting the lines underground is that an underground cable project would take only four years to complete compared to 7.5 years for overhead lines, according to the report.
Speaking at the launch of the report, Dr Colin Andrew of the NEPP said it provided the "conclusive results we need to influence the policy and decisions of the Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan to inform Government policy and to win the support of all the political parties".
He called on Eirgrid to review its strategy in relation to the feasibility and affordability of placing the lines underground and urged the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Rources to institute public hearings in the light of the report.
A spokesman for Eirgrid said it would study the report and make its project team available to meet with the NEPP.
EirGrid project engineer Tomas Mahony said, however, that it was important people remembered what international experts EcoFys had found in their report published last July.
EcoFys weighed up the pros and cons of pylons versus underground cabling. They found that putting the lines underground would cost five times as much, and three times as much to maintain, as overhead cables.
“The report said nowhere in the world are there underground cables of the lengths required for the proposed 400kV power lines,” he said.
“Underground cables of the length we need are not technically feasible to build. No-one has done it anywhere else in the world and 97 per cent of similar transmission lines in Europe are overhead.”
Mr Mahony said it was EirGrid’s role to ensure the needs of the country are met with a safe secure and reliable power system.
“We cannot take the risk of putting in place unproven technology. This is critical infrastructure for the development of the North East," he said.
Fine Gael spokesman on Energy Simon Coveney welcomed the publication of the report saying it should be taken seriously by the Minister and Eirgrid when making future decisions on electricity grid infrastructure across the country.
“People in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan are concerned at plans to build new high-voltage power lines. We have a responsibility to examine and explore the viability of putting this infrastructure underground,” he said.
“Issues around safety, cost, maintenance and reliability of course all need to be examined.”
Irishtimes.com
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 20 July 2008
Experts face quiz on overhead power lines
TDs and Senators are to question Dutch experts who recently gave Energy Minister Eamon Ryan a major report comparing overhead electricity pylons and high-voltage power lines with underground cables.
The Ecofys consultants' study followed strong pressure from TDs and Senators across party lines, as well as a major grassroots campaign in the North East, where EirGrid proposes to build a 110km-long ultra high power line across counties Monaghan, Cavan and Meath.
Next Tuesday, members of the Joint Committee of TDs and Senators dealing with energy policy will quiz the experts at a special session in Leinster House.
Anti-pylon campaigners in the North East claim that the experts' report has endorsed the main arguments they have been fighting on.
They have also pledged to keep up their fight to force the lines underground.
Sunday Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
The Ecofys consultants' study followed strong pressure from TDs and Senators across party lines, as well as a major grassroots campaign in the North East, where EirGrid proposes to build a 110km-long ultra high power line across counties Monaghan, Cavan and Meath.
Next Tuesday, members of the Joint Committee of TDs and Senators dealing with energy policy will quiz the experts at a special session in Leinster House.
Anti-pylon campaigners in the North East claim that the experts' report has endorsed the main arguments they have been fighting on.
They have also pledged to keep up their fight to force the lines underground.
Sunday Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 14 June 2008
'Anti-pylon' campaign fears health study bias
CAMPAIGNERS against overhead power lines have claimed that Government-appointed consultants who are conducting a study on the merits of laying cables underground are compromised.
North East Pylon Pressure is lobbying against EUR300m plans to run 110 kilometres of high voltage power cables across Leinster and into Northern Ireland to boost Ireland's electricity supply.
Under pressure from affected communities who want the cables to run underground, Eamon Ryan, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources commissioned a study to examine the cost and health implications of both options.
The Dutch company, Ecofys, which was awarded the EUR140,000 contract, is expected to issue its report shortly.
Campaigners have complained that the consultants previously contributed to a 2005 study on Ireland's electricity needs, which recommended the building of another 650 kilometres of high power lines to meet increasing demand.
In a letter to the minister last week, North East Pylon Pressure claimed that Ecofys was "severely compromised" because of its previous work on that report.
Several Fine Gael TDs have also raised the potential conflict in the Dail, with Shane McEntee, of Meath, saying that given the report's recommendation, "it could be perceived that the independence and impartiality of Ecofys to carry out this study is compromised."
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources dismissed the claims, saying there is "no conflict of interest" in hiring Ecofys. It said the Dutch company only contributed to a Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) report on Ireland's electricity needs, which concluded that more electricity pylons were needed.
"Ecofys did work previously on the All Island Grid Study, commissioned by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) as opposed to this department and, in this context, the department is also satisfied of their independence."
Plans for the North/South interconnector involve 170 pylons built along the proposed route in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.
- Dozens of communities claim the pylons will expose them to health risks such as cancer, will devalue their properties and blight their landscape.
EirGrid has repeatedly maintained that putting electricity cables underground is too expensive, though one section will link Wales to Rush, via a cable that will run beneath the sea and will continue to run underground as far as Meath.
During an Oireachtas committee meeting last week, Shane McEntee said EirGrid admitted it was cheaper to run this portion of cable underground, in contrast with what the operators had claimed. EirGrid later clarified the comments to say the under sea portion of the cable was not prohibitively expensive to run as far as Meath for numerous reasons, given that it uses different technology.
North East Pylon Pressure Group wants to meet with Ecofys before it publishes its findings but the Dutch company is refusing to meet any of the parties, apparently to protect the independence of its findings. It has examined over 500 submissions from interested parties, including a 300page submission from North East Pylon Pressure.
Ecofys is using German underground cabling experts on the study, which will report on the health and environmental impact, and cost comparison, between underground and overground, cabling.
Maeve Sheehan
Sunday Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
North East Pylon Pressure is lobbying against EUR300m plans to run 110 kilometres of high voltage power cables across Leinster and into Northern Ireland to boost Ireland's electricity supply.
Under pressure from affected communities who want the cables to run underground, Eamon Ryan, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources commissioned a study to examine the cost and health implications of both options.
The Dutch company, Ecofys, which was awarded the EUR140,000 contract, is expected to issue its report shortly.
Campaigners have complained that the consultants previously contributed to a 2005 study on Ireland's electricity needs, which recommended the building of another 650 kilometres of high power lines to meet increasing demand.
In a letter to the minister last week, North East Pylon Pressure claimed that Ecofys was "severely compromised" because of its previous work on that report.
Several Fine Gael TDs have also raised the potential conflict in the Dail, with Shane McEntee, of Meath, saying that given the report's recommendation, "it could be perceived that the independence and impartiality of Ecofys to carry out this study is compromised."
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources dismissed the claims, saying there is "no conflict of interest" in hiring Ecofys. It said the Dutch company only contributed to a Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) report on Ireland's electricity needs, which concluded that more electricity pylons were needed.
"Ecofys did work previously on the All Island Grid Study, commissioned by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) as opposed to this department and, in this context, the department is also satisfied of their independence."
Plans for the North/South interconnector involve 170 pylons built along the proposed route in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.
- Dozens of communities claim the pylons will expose them to health risks such as cancer, will devalue their properties and blight their landscape.
EirGrid has repeatedly maintained that putting electricity cables underground is too expensive, though one section will link Wales to Rush, via a cable that will run beneath the sea and will continue to run underground as far as Meath.
During an Oireachtas committee meeting last week, Shane McEntee said EirGrid admitted it was cheaper to run this portion of cable underground, in contrast with what the operators had claimed. EirGrid later clarified the comments to say the under sea portion of the cable was not prohibitively expensive to run as far as Meath for numerous reasons, given that it uses different technology.
North East Pylon Pressure Group wants to meet with Ecofys before it publishes its findings but the Dutch company is refusing to meet any of the parties, apparently to protect the independence of its findings. It has examined over 500 submissions from interested parties, including a 300page submission from North East Pylon Pressure.
Ecofys is using German underground cabling experts on the study, which will report on the health and environmental impact, and cost comparison, between underground and overground, cabling.
Maeve Sheehan
Sunday Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Pylon study consultants appointment dismays group
THE group campaigning against the proposed EirGrid power lines across Meath, the North-East Pylon Pressure campaign (NEPP), has expressed extreme disappointment at the choice of consultants to carry out a study into the electricity transmission structure. NEPP has also strongly criticised the restrictive nature of the study announced by the Minister for Energy and Communications, Eamon Ryan.
The campaign was responding to weekend media reports of the appointment of a Dutch consultancy, Ecofys, and a Canadian engineering company,
Golder Associates, who are charged with looking at the implication of both underground and overhead power lines.
Bective farmer Francis Lally, the chairman of NEPP, claimed that neither of these companies had any experience in the turnkey construction of either underground electricity cables or overhead transmission lines.
"Given the ridiculously short time of 40 days allowed to read and absorb all 500 submissions received by the minister, to research the issue, to meet with interest groups and stakeholders and to produce a comprehensive comparative costed study, we cannot see how these companies can produce a report that could be in any way authoritative," Mr Lally claimed.
In relation to the appointment of Ecofys, NEPP pointed out that this company had acted as consultants on a section of the All-Island Grid Study recently completed for the minister's department. "Given the study's recommendations on high power lines, it could be perceived that Ecofys's independence is compromised and that there is a prima facie conflict of interest for them," Mr Lally said. In response, the Department of the Environment says that turnkey construction companies would not be employed to carry out such a study, as they obviously would have vested interests in all elements of the construction of lines or cables.
The consultants employed will look at policy issues and Ecofys is employing a German expert who has undergrounding expertise to work with them on the po>-, ject. '•'''
The spokesperson added that Ecofys is not compromised because of its work on the All-Mand Gtid Study, as it did not make recommendations, simply put forward a number of scenarios which the minister then had to choose from.
In relation to the timescale, the Department added that the minister was keen to get moving on the issue to have it resolved as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Jackie Cahill, president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), has confirmed that his association will be demanding
that the power line be constructed underground and that full compensation, cognisant of the most up-to-date valuation, be paid to the farmer landowners.
At a meeting held in the Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells last week, the ICMSA executives of Cavan, Meath and Monaghan decided that the association would be demanding that this piece of infrastructure be constructed underground and that full compensation be paid. Mr Cahill claimed that a campaign of misinformation was being waged by certain politicians and other parties to the effect that, should the line be constructed underground, that no compensation would be paid to the farmer-landowners,
"This is a totally ludicrous opinion," he said.
"Landowners affected would have to be fully compensated for providing a permanent way-leave through their lands and for disturbance caused during the construction phase," he said.
He said the ICMSA will also be advocating that a goodwill payment be put forward to help speed up the construction of this installation.
John Donohoe
Meath Chronicle
The campaign was responding to weekend media reports of the appointment of a Dutch consultancy, Ecofys, and a Canadian engineering company,
Golder Associates, who are charged with looking at the implication of both underground and overhead power lines.
Bective farmer Francis Lally, the chairman of NEPP, claimed that neither of these companies had any experience in the turnkey construction of either underground electricity cables or overhead transmission lines.
"Given the ridiculously short time of 40 days allowed to read and absorb all 500 submissions received by the minister, to research the issue, to meet with interest groups and stakeholders and to produce a comprehensive comparative costed study, we cannot see how these companies can produce a report that could be in any way authoritative," Mr Lally claimed.
In relation to the appointment of Ecofys, NEPP pointed out that this company had acted as consultants on a section of the All-Island Grid Study recently completed for the minister's department. "Given the study's recommendations on high power lines, it could be perceived that Ecofys's independence is compromised and that there is a prima facie conflict of interest for them," Mr Lally said. In response, the Department of the Environment says that turnkey construction companies would not be employed to carry out such a study, as they obviously would have vested interests in all elements of the construction of lines or cables.
The consultants employed will look at policy issues and Ecofys is employing a German expert who has undergrounding expertise to work with them on the po>-, ject. '•'''
The spokesperson added that Ecofys is not compromised because of its work on the All-Mand Gtid Study, as it did not make recommendations, simply put forward a number of scenarios which the minister then had to choose from.
In relation to the timescale, the Department added that the minister was keen to get moving on the issue to have it resolved as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Jackie Cahill, president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), has confirmed that his association will be demanding
that the power line be constructed underground and that full compensation, cognisant of the most up-to-date valuation, be paid to the farmer landowners.
At a meeting held in the Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells last week, the ICMSA executives of Cavan, Meath and Monaghan decided that the association would be demanding that this piece of infrastructure be constructed underground and that full compensation be paid. Mr Cahill claimed that a campaign of misinformation was being waged by certain politicians and other parties to the effect that, should the line be constructed underground, that no compensation would be paid to the farmer-landowners,
"This is a totally ludicrous opinion," he said.
"Landowners affected would have to be fully compensated for providing a permanent way-leave through their lands and for disturbance caused during the construction phase," he said.
He said the ICMSA will also be advocating that a goodwill payment be put forward to help speed up the construction of this installation.
John Donohoe
Meath Chronicle
Saturday, 23 February 2008
Will landowners forfeit money if power lines are put underground?
Minister poses question as independent study announced
LANDOWNERS along the proposed routes of the 400kV EirGrid power lines should indicate if they would be willing to forfeit compensation if the power company decides it could put the cables underground between Batterstown and Tyrone, the Minister for Transport and Meath West TD, Noel Dempsey, said this week.
He was speaking following the announcement by the Minister for Communications and Energy, Eamonn Ryan, that his Department is to commission an independent study on transmission line infrastructure in Ireland, which will address the implications of installing underground cables relative to overhead transmission lines.
Mr Dempsey had requested Mr Ryan to consider such a study, and the communications minister made the announcement last week as the Joint Oireachtas Committee's hearings on the infrastructure were drawing to a close.
Fears over the health implications of the overhead power lines have been the main reason for the opposition to the pylons and lines by communities across the county, as well as in Cavan and Tyrone. Other issues being raised include environmental, heritage, livelihood and land value concerns.
Mr Dempsey said that a major cost of under-grounding cables, in the region of 25 per cent of the eventual figure, was the land cost. "It would be helpful if the campaign groups involved, and individuals involved, would say if they would be willing to allow EirGrid bury the lines under the land without seeking compensation, as this would reduce the cost considerably and maybe make it possible. I make the suggestion because a lot of people opposing the power lines have already suggested to me that they would be willing to go down this route and I want to establish if it is a common feeling," said the minister.
This would need to be done now in order for it to be included as a factor in the study commissioned by Minister Ryan in comparing the costs of cable vers'us power lines.
Mr Dempsey added that he was sensitive to the fact that people would be entitled to compensation, but he said he was attempting to explore all options.
Minister Eamonn Ryan said the study will be conducted on a national basis and will offer professional advice on best international practice for the construction of transmission lines. It will consider the relative performance and implications of underground cables and overhead lines, having regard to technical characteristics, reliability, operation and maintenance factors, environmental impact, possible health issues and cost.
"I am aware of considerable concern in local communities about the impact of overhead lines," Minister Ryan said. "Local groups and deputies from all sides of the House have expressed their desire for an independent study to consider all the issues involved. I am happy to facilitate the furnishing of this information for due diligence and in the interest of the public good."
The study will be commissioned over the coming weeks with a view to its completion and publication in April.
The move has been welcomed by public representatives in Meath, as well as EirGrid, while the North East Pylon Pressure (NEPP) group gave it a "guarded welcome".
Dermot Byrne, Eirgrid chief executive, said: "We in EirGrid welcome this move and, indeed, we note the request right across the political spectrum for such a study. We are happy to assist the study in whatever way we can."
NEPP says that if the study is to have any credibility, the consultants appointed must be of the highest international repute and experience and entirely independent of EirGrid and the Department of Energy.
The group says that EirGrid must make no further decisions in relation to its proposal until the study has been completed and considered by the minister, the Government and the wider public.
The study must treat the existing EirGrid proposal of three possible routes for overground cables in the northeast as no longer relevant and - instead - look at the optimal route for under-grounding with a clean sheet and without pre-conditions, the NEPP said.
It must also take into account the existing criteria already conceded by EirGrid itself for route selection, and in comparing underground cabling with over-ground, the study must look at the many examples worldwide where underground cabling has been used over long distances and in environments similar to the north-east, it added.
Minister Ryan's decision to commission a study was also welcomed by Meath Fianna Fail TDs Johnny Brady and Thomas Byrne, Fine Gael's Shane McEntee and Damien English, and the Meath Green Party secretary and recent Meath East election candidate, Sean 6 Buachalla.
John Donohoe
Meath Chronicle
www.buckplanning.ie
LANDOWNERS along the proposed routes of the 400kV EirGrid power lines should indicate if they would be willing to forfeit compensation if the power company decides it could put the cables underground between Batterstown and Tyrone, the Minister for Transport and Meath West TD, Noel Dempsey, said this week.
He was speaking following the announcement by the Minister for Communications and Energy, Eamonn Ryan, that his Department is to commission an independent study on transmission line infrastructure in Ireland, which will address the implications of installing underground cables relative to overhead transmission lines.
Mr Dempsey had requested Mr Ryan to consider such a study, and the communications minister made the announcement last week as the Joint Oireachtas Committee's hearings on the infrastructure were drawing to a close.
Fears over the health implications of the overhead power lines have been the main reason for the opposition to the pylons and lines by communities across the county, as well as in Cavan and Tyrone. Other issues being raised include environmental, heritage, livelihood and land value concerns.
Mr Dempsey said that a major cost of under-grounding cables, in the region of 25 per cent of the eventual figure, was the land cost. "It would be helpful if the campaign groups involved, and individuals involved, would say if they would be willing to allow EirGrid bury the lines under the land without seeking compensation, as this would reduce the cost considerably and maybe make it possible. I make the suggestion because a lot of people opposing the power lines have already suggested to me that they would be willing to go down this route and I want to establish if it is a common feeling," said the minister.
This would need to be done now in order for it to be included as a factor in the study commissioned by Minister Ryan in comparing the costs of cable vers'us power lines.
Mr Dempsey added that he was sensitive to the fact that people would be entitled to compensation, but he said he was attempting to explore all options.
Minister Eamonn Ryan said the study will be conducted on a national basis and will offer professional advice on best international practice for the construction of transmission lines. It will consider the relative performance and implications of underground cables and overhead lines, having regard to technical characteristics, reliability, operation and maintenance factors, environmental impact, possible health issues and cost.
"I am aware of considerable concern in local communities about the impact of overhead lines," Minister Ryan said. "Local groups and deputies from all sides of the House have expressed their desire for an independent study to consider all the issues involved. I am happy to facilitate the furnishing of this information for due diligence and in the interest of the public good."
The study will be commissioned over the coming weeks with a view to its completion and publication in April.
The move has been welcomed by public representatives in Meath, as well as EirGrid, while the North East Pylon Pressure (NEPP) group gave it a "guarded welcome".
Dermot Byrne, Eirgrid chief executive, said: "We in EirGrid welcome this move and, indeed, we note the request right across the political spectrum for such a study. We are happy to assist the study in whatever way we can."
NEPP says that if the study is to have any credibility, the consultants appointed must be of the highest international repute and experience and entirely independent of EirGrid and the Department of Energy.
The group says that EirGrid must make no further decisions in relation to its proposal until the study has been completed and considered by the minister, the Government and the wider public.
The study must treat the existing EirGrid proposal of three possible routes for overground cables in the northeast as no longer relevant and - instead - look at the optimal route for under-grounding with a clean sheet and without pre-conditions, the NEPP said.
It must also take into account the existing criteria already conceded by EirGrid itself for route selection, and in comparing underground cabling with over-ground, the study must look at the many examples worldwide where underground cabling has been used over long distances and in environments similar to the north-east, it added.
Minister Ryan's decision to commission a study was also welcomed by Meath Fianna Fail TDs Johnny Brady and Thomas Byrne, Fine Gael's Shane McEntee and Damien English, and the Meath Green Party secretary and recent Meath East election candidate, Sean 6 Buachalla.
John Donohoe
Meath Chronicle
www.buckplanning.ie
Pylons protestors hear loud and clear in Trim
COLOURFUL, CO-ORDINATED and clearly distinguishable stood a whopping 1,500 protestors at Trim Castle last Friday as they voiced their opposition to EirGrid. Dressed in bright yellow ponchos and waving protest placards and colourful red balloons, crowds of concerned families gathered against EirGrid's proposed 58 kilometres of high power lines through the North East.
The massive entourage of protestors from the North East Pylons Pressure (NEPP) group gathered outside the spring seminar of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland (AMAI), which was attended by several hundred councillors from all over Ireland.
The delegation met the keynote speaker at the conference, Maire Hoctor TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health, to outline their case. Ms Hoctor was standing in for Minister John Gormley, who had pulled out of the conference, at which he had been due to be the keynote speaker.
NEPP chairman Francis Lally said: "We will remain united until we have achieved our aim - the complete undergrounding of EirGrid's high power cables in the north-east.
"More than 26 schools and over 20 GAA clubs are in the line of just one of the possible routes for the overhead power lines and this cannot be allowed to happen."
A spokesman for Trim gardai said: "It was a well-organised protest which passed off very peacefully, with no disruption to traffic." Speaking at the protest rally, NEPP campaign coordinator Aimee Treacy said: "Our protest is a show of solidarity amongst the residents of the neighbouring counties of Meath Monaghan and Cavan.
"If EirGrid's proposed line is not put underground, it will mean many other towns, villages and lands in the rest of the country may face a similar fate.
"EirGrid is committed to a further 600 kilometres of cables and pylons anywhere from Donegal to Wexford and we must stop this happening," she said.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, a delegation from NEPP will brief the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in Leinster House.
The NEPP group will also make a submission to the international consultants appointed by the Government to report the case on overhead lines versus underground cabling.
Meath Weekender
www.buckplanning.ie
The massive entourage of protestors from the North East Pylons Pressure (NEPP) group gathered outside the spring seminar of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland (AMAI), which was attended by several hundred councillors from all over Ireland.
The delegation met the keynote speaker at the conference, Maire Hoctor TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health, to outline their case. Ms Hoctor was standing in for Minister John Gormley, who had pulled out of the conference, at which he had been due to be the keynote speaker.
NEPP chairman Francis Lally said: "We will remain united until we have achieved our aim - the complete undergrounding of EirGrid's high power cables in the north-east.
"More than 26 schools and over 20 GAA clubs are in the line of just one of the possible routes for the overhead power lines and this cannot be allowed to happen."
A spokesman for Trim gardai said: "It was a well-organised protest which passed off very peacefully, with no disruption to traffic." Speaking at the protest rally, NEPP campaign coordinator Aimee Treacy said: "Our protest is a show of solidarity amongst the residents of the neighbouring counties of Meath Monaghan and Cavan.
"If EirGrid's proposed line is not put underground, it will mean many other towns, villages and lands in the rest of the country may face a similar fate.
"EirGrid is committed to a further 600 kilometres of cables and pylons anywhere from Donegal to Wexford and we must stop this happening," she said.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, a delegation from NEPP will brief the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in Leinster House.
The NEPP group will also make a submission to the international consultants appointed by the Government to report the case on overhead lines versus underground cabling.
Meath Weekender
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
Anti-pylons group plans to step up campaign
The anti-pylons protest at Bective Abbey, Co Meath, yesterday, organised by the North-East Pylon Pressure Group.
Campaigners opposed to a new power line corridor through the northeast have vowed to step up their opposition in the New Year.
Over 2,000 supporters of the North-East Pylon Pressure Group staged a protest at Bective Abbey in Co Meath yesterday by forming a circle around a giant sign calling for "No Pylons Here".
The group is opposed to EirGrid's plans to erect 400 kV electricity cables on pylons across counties Meath and Cavan, and says the lines should be put underground. They claim high-voltage power lines are injurious to health, sully the environment and devalue property prices.
EirGrid says the €100 million project, and another proposed line between Cavan and Tyrone which forms the new North-South interconnector, poses no health risk and is essential to secure future supplies of electricity to the region.
Colin Andrew, secretary of the protest group, told The Irish Times that, internationally, most new interconnectors were now being run underground and the technology used by EirGrid was "redundant and dangerous".
Mr Andrew said "many" studies showed an increased risk of miscarriage, adult leukaemia, depression and suicide from overhead power lines, even at a distance of 300m; EirGrid plans to run the Meath line as close as 50m from dwellings. He also claims underground lines are only marginally more expensive to install than overhead lines.
However, a spokesman for EirGrid said "nowhere in the world is it standard to put lines underground". Of 100,000km of power lines in Europe, less than 1 per cent was underground.
"Overhead is the international standard as it has been found to be the only way to deliver reliable, secure and economical electricity."
EirGrid says the main problem with underground lines is the difficulty in locating faults when they occur.
The company says it is satisfied "from the totality of studies" and the view of international agencies that the "balance of evidence" is that the extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields caused by power lines do not have any adverse effect on health.
It cites a study published by the World Health Organisation this year which concluded there were no substantive health issues with this kind of radiation "at levels generally encountered by members of the public".
Landowners affected by the project will be compensated for wayleave access and disturbance but no compensation will be paid for loss of property values, according to the EirGrid spokesman. "There are already 6,000km of such power lines in the country, and there is no evidence of any effect on house prices."
However, Mr Andrews predicted the 45,000 householders in the area would see the cumulative value of their properties drop by €3 billion if the project went ahead.
Some public consultation meetings about the project were cancelled, in part because of the large numbers expected to attend. EirGrid said this was a matter for the hotels in which the meetings were supposed to take place.
The company is expected to announce shortly its preferred option from the three currently under examination, and will then seek planning permission from Bord Pleanála under the fast-track scheme provided by the Critical Infrastructure Act.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Campaigners opposed to a new power line corridor through the northeast have vowed to step up their opposition in the New Year.
Over 2,000 supporters of the North-East Pylon Pressure Group staged a protest at Bective Abbey in Co Meath yesterday by forming a circle around a giant sign calling for "No Pylons Here".
The group is opposed to EirGrid's plans to erect 400 kV electricity cables on pylons across counties Meath and Cavan, and says the lines should be put underground. They claim high-voltage power lines are injurious to health, sully the environment and devalue property prices.
EirGrid says the €100 million project, and another proposed line between Cavan and Tyrone which forms the new North-South interconnector, poses no health risk and is essential to secure future supplies of electricity to the region.
Colin Andrew, secretary of the protest group, told The Irish Times that, internationally, most new interconnectors were now being run underground and the technology used by EirGrid was "redundant and dangerous".
Mr Andrew said "many" studies showed an increased risk of miscarriage, adult leukaemia, depression and suicide from overhead power lines, even at a distance of 300m; EirGrid plans to run the Meath line as close as 50m from dwellings. He also claims underground lines are only marginally more expensive to install than overhead lines.
However, a spokesman for EirGrid said "nowhere in the world is it standard to put lines underground". Of 100,000km of power lines in Europe, less than 1 per cent was underground.
"Overhead is the international standard as it has been found to be the only way to deliver reliable, secure and economical electricity."
EirGrid says the main problem with underground lines is the difficulty in locating faults when they occur.
The company says it is satisfied "from the totality of studies" and the view of international agencies that the "balance of evidence" is that the extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields caused by power lines do not have any adverse effect on health.
It cites a study published by the World Health Organisation this year which concluded there were no substantive health issues with this kind of radiation "at levels generally encountered by members of the public".
Landowners affected by the project will be compensated for wayleave access and disturbance but no compensation will be paid for loss of property values, according to the EirGrid spokesman. "There are already 6,000km of such power lines in the country, and there is no evidence of any effect on house prices."
However, Mr Andrews predicted the 45,000 householders in the area would see the cumulative value of their properties drop by €3 billion if the project went ahead.
Some public consultation meetings about the project were cancelled, in part because of the large numbers expected to attend. EirGrid said this was a matter for the hotels in which the meetings were supposed to take place.
The company is expected to announce shortly its preferred option from the three currently under examination, and will then seek planning permission from Bord Pleanála under the fast-track scheme provided by the Critical Infrastructure Act.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
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