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Sean Cullinan (RethinkPylons), Malcolm Brown (BW Energy), Paddy Massey (RethinkPylons) taken on the night of 13th May in Dungarvan.

Sean Cullinan from Lismore who is a member of rethinkpylons.org has told The Avondhu he is frustrated at what he terms ‘the government’s plan is to spend €4 billion building a power infrastructure no one wants, for a wind industry no one needs’.

He argues that by converting Moneypoint power station from coal to sustainable Biomass (wood pellets), we immediately achieve our 2020 Renewable targets. Therefore for him the obvious choice should be home-grown Irish supply chain sustainable Biomass.

Last Wednesday he attended a 45 minute presentation at Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan, given by Malcolm Brown from BW Energy, regarded as one of the leading experts in the international energy sector.

“Malcolm Brown of BW Energy outlined Eirgrid's need for Pylons in Ireland - our 100% reliance on Wind Energy to meet Ireland's sustainable energy targets. Eirgrid have for some years being stating that the Grid upgrade was essential to maintain supply and that the 'lights would go out' if the upgrade was not carried out, a mantra taken up by various Ministers over the years.

"Eirgrid's latest 'Draft public consultation' has categorically informed us that the Grid upgrade, a near doubling of the national grid, is almost solely required because of our exclusive wind generation strategy. Significant Grid upgrade costs, plus the additional costs of quantifiable property devaluation & unquantifiable blood-stock and tourism devaluations makes further wind generation expansion an expensive and risky option for Ireland.

"Converting Moneypoint's coal-fired plant to biomass (woodchip) utilises existing infrastructure at a fraction of this cost (no new pylons infrastructure for example) and potentially add a Biomass supply chain to our farming sector. Malcolm left his highly engaged audience with much food for thought. Additional details can be found at www.rethinkpylons.org.”

Sean concluded that overall he was supportive of what Malcolm Brown had to say and that all options should be considered.

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