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Sligo pylon update

Submitted by Toby on Wednesday, 06 November 2002  Page Views: 1774

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Toby writes: We have submitted another presentation to An Bord Pleanala (the Irish national planning board) on the ESB's 220 kv Flagford to Srananagh pylon proposal that will be very damaging to the prehistoric landscape.

It was a response to the ESB's response to questions put to them by the board, many questions based on our earlier submission.

This latest submission of ours runs to 37 pages. We feel we have given it our best shot, we were refused even a modest extension of time to deal with some complex issues. The ESB were given an extension but still we felt a lot of their submissions fell short of satisfactory.

We countered their unrealistic photomontages of pylons in the landscape, by hiring a 110 foot telescopic crane and driving it to the viewing points and photographing it where the ESB were required to show the impact of the pylons on view!!

Judgement is due in October.

Toby

Note: Update - Planning judgement goes in favour of pylons
Contributor Bio for Toby: Based in [email protected], contributing since 2026. Favourite site: [email protected]. Occupation: [email protected].

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"Sligo pylon update" | Login/Create an Account | 1 comment
  
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Planning Decision by Anonymous on Wednesday, 06 November 2002
Well,

Bad day all day. An Bord Pleanala made their determination to support the
planning approval for the ESB's 220 kV pylon hiway across Co's Roscommon
and Sligo.

This is particularly disappointing as extreme lengths were gone to put
forward a balanced and appropriate response to a frankly one sided and heavy
handed proposal.

We had to debunked endless misinformation's, including fundamental
assertions such as need.
It was apparent that a strengthening of the grid would be necessary. However
this could
very well be achieved by the addition of another 100 kV line. These run on
twin poles and
have a much much less impact on the landscape and would have surficed for
the forseeable future.

The initial proposal came from the engineering department of ESB/Eir Grid to
put in place
a robust line. It was not approached from an integrated planning point of
view, and much
misinformation and lobbying was put around.

The final decision by ABP came down to an all or nothing, yea or neigh,
which is not keeping
the big issue in context in discussion of the best way forward. Ever since
the Bord refused the
groups an Oral hearing it was going to be impossible discuss/ cross examine
the ESB on their
plans, figures etc.

>From here our options are limited. The decision can only be challenged on
points of law. ie did
ABP contravene procedural parameters. To this end our solicitor will travel
to Dublin later
in the week to examine the files and copy the judgement under the freedom of
information act.

The three people who rule on an appeal are unelected political appointees,
they do not have
to follow the recommendations of the inspectors who examine the appeal in
more detail.
This lack of accountancy and transparency has been regarded by some as maybe
not the best
format for balanced decisions, especially in cases where one side may have
access to lobby.

The determination I received this morning stated,

Having regard to the need for an improved and reliable electricity supply in
the North West, the provisions of the current Sligo County Development Plan
and to the archaeological and visual amenities and to the pattern of
development in the area, it is considered that, subject to compliance with
the conditions set out in the Second Schedule, the proposed development
would not seriously injure the amenities of the the area or the property in
the vicinity, would not be prejudicial to public health and would not
seriously injure or interfere with sites of archaeological importance in the
vicinity of the development. The proposed development would, therefore, be
in accordance with the proper planning and development of the area."

The second schedule contains a few light weight points and minor
alterations, however the
substantive issues such as need are not commented upon, this is most
unsatisfactory as Professor O' Carroll did a most thorough and balanced
report on this issue that debunked the need for the monstrous 220 kV line.

The archaeological report the Bord requested clearly indicated that 23
archaeological sites would be seriously impacted by the development. etc
etc..

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Regards,
Toby.
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