Pylon Pressure campaign pays tribute to Shane McEntee

North East Pylon Pressure, the group campaigning against the overgrounding of the EirGrid 400kV interconnector from Meath to Tyrone, says that it is with deep sadness that it wishes to record an appreciation to the late Minister Shane McEntee. They said in a statement: "Over the course of our five year campaign NEPPC has encountered and engaged with many elected representatives from all parties, but none so honourable, decent and honest as Minister Shane McEntee. Shane McEntee was a man of the people, who felt deeply honoured to serve his constituents to the best of his ability. He had the common touch with people, combined with a deep affection for his community and for his country. Shane's hallmark characteristics were those of energy and enthusiasm, forthrightness and action. He was a straight-talking, plain-speaking, no-nonsense politician who focused on delivering results rather than on making promises. Shane also displayed great persistence and a steely determination in tackling and resolving the various challenges presented on a daily basis both locally and nationally. But he also displayed a deep sense of humility and never sought the limelight for any of his many achievements. "Above all Shane was a gentleman, with a gentle soul. He will be sorely missed but fondly remembered. We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to his family and wide circle of friends", stated Aimée Treacy, chairperson of NEPPC. Shane adopted a leadership role in representing the objectives of the campaign both when in Opposition and when in Government. He attended more NEPPC and public meetings, from the first major rally in Knightsbrook, Trim in 2007 to 2012, than any other elected representative. He understood the importance of the campaign at local community level, including the effect on agriculture and on our landscape. Shane made significant contributions at a number of Joint Oireachtas Committee hearings, and as a witness at the Oral hearing in 2010. Shane proposed, recommended and eventually ensured the implementation of an Independent Expert Commission Study, resulting in the publication of highly relevant 'Meath-Tyrone Report'. This report later became a significant component of the Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure. Through persistent hard work and dedication Shane, almost single-handedly, ensured that NEPPC received significant reimbursement for the costs of the oral hearing aborted by EirGrid in 2010. This involved protracted negotiations with EirGrid over an 18 month period. It is testament to his dedication and personal commitment that a successful outcome was achieved. In the last few months Shane was in the process of moving the North-South interconnector project a step forward, by taking the initiative to organise detailed discussions between EirGrid and NEPPC.