Independent TD Mattie McGrath is set to robustly challenge the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney during priority questions which he has tabled in the Dáil for this Thursday. Deputy McGrath has said he will be seeking explicit assurances that the Minister will immediately instigate an objective risk analysis in relation to the impact which Eirgrid’s Grid link Project will have on the agricultural economy of South Tipperary.

“I have yet to receive any kind of sense that the threat to the agricultural economy of South Tipperary posed by the Grid Link Project is fully appreciated at Ministerial or Governmental level. South Tipperary has a thriving Beef and Dairy industry with major companies like Dairygold and Glanbia having long established businesses there. The construction of the proposed overhead pylons which are central to the Grid Link Project as it currently stands will have a hugely adverse impact on these industries as well as impacting negatively on the Bloodstock Industry in the region.” Deputy McGrath said there are numerous studies highlighting the negative impact of overhead lines on livestock, bloodstock and indeed crops.

“I have huge concerns about the impact that these overhead power lines would have on Tipperary’s hugely important and reputable Bloodstock Industry as bloodstock are well known to react negatively in the vicinity of such lines. I only hope that these issues will be met with a more respectful analysis by Minister Coveney in contrast to the patronising dismissals of Minister Rabbitte who seems to feel personally affronted when someone asks him to explain himself.

“I will be putting it to the Minister that not only is the project going to meet continued opposition on the ground but that it is also contrary to the 2012-2014 Corporate Plan of South Tipperary Local Authorities. That plan seeks to encourage high-quality infrastructure development which is consistent with county and local development plans underpinned by the principle of sustainable development. That principle of sustainable development is key and I will be insisting that the Minister instruct his Department to engage in a strategic environmental and agricultural assessment so that the protection of this sector is maintained as well as the beautiful landscape which will be forever diminished if the project as it stands goes ahead,” concluded Deputy McGrath.