Communities along the proposed routes for Eirgrid's 45 metre high pylons have mobilising themselves in recent weeks to such an extent that the state owned company must be in no doubt about the level of opposition to their plans.

One of the routes Eirgrid is considering will affect an area encompassing Kilworth/Araglin/Mountain Barracks and representatives from these areas gathered in St Martin's National School, Kilworth last Thursday evening to highlight their outright opposition to Eirgrid's existing plans.

The meeting was hosted by Kilworth Community Council with support from the neighbouring community council in Araglin and the main speakers were: Noel O'Brien, who acted as MC, conservationist and Kilworth Tidy Towns activist, Cian O'Meara and consulting engineer Hilliard Tanner who resides in Kilmurry, Kilworth. Apologies were expressed for the unavoidable absence of Maura Caplice (chairperson of Kilworth Community Council).

Familiar themes were addressed, namely the under-grounding of cables which seems an obvious solution to the problem but is opposed by Eirgrid on cost grounds - Eirgrid also claim it would make maintenance of the cables much more difficult.

Running the cables under the sea along the coastline was also proposed as a possible alternative to the pylons. Eirgrid's steadfast refusal to concede that either pylons or cables carried any health risks was also debated at length. Other issues raised included, the rigorous enforcement of rules pertaining to landowners adjoining S.A.C's Special Areas of Conservation and Eirgrid's readiness to cut through huge tracts of countryside with this status.

The negative impact pylons would have on wildlife, tourism, businesses and farming along with their proximity to dwellings and schools were also aired at some length - all the contributions were measured and firmly expressed.

The only public representative in attendance was the independent TD for Tipperary South, Mattie McGrath. Mr McGrath expressed satisfaction with how the campaign was developing but said it was vital that every affected household was mobilized in opposition to what he described as 'Eirgrid's arrogant and ill-thought out proposals'.

He also informed the meeting that he was personally delivering a petition bearing 2,000 names to Eirgrid's offices in Dublin. While the official deadline for submissions runs out this week, there can be no doubt at this stage that the 'pylon issue' is set to feature prominently on the political agenda for the foreseeable future.

In summary, the public are open minded about the need for infrastructure that will safeguard electrical supply for generations to come but very determined to vigorously oppose plans that would radically alter the Irish countryside forever.

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