‘We have been backed into a most untenable position’

A TELTOWN woman has warned of barricades and sieges as residents in the path of the North South Interconnector take action to prevent EirGrid or ESB erecting the pylons in their area.

"We are left with no option I fear but to fight. Siege it will be… barricades, women and children fighting in the most basic way to make their intentions clear. We have always attempted to be dignified and respectful, truthful and open in all our dealings with the relevant parties.

“Every penny that was spent by our outstanding, courageous, dedicated committee was out of our own pockets," says Treasa Ward, who claims she will see three or four of the pylons from her home.

Her comments come following news that construction is planned to start on the controversial Interconnector next year.

EirGrid’s Chief Infrastructure Officer, Michael Mahon told members of Cavan and Monaghan county councils recently: “This project is a piece of critical infrastructure and EirGrid and the ESB will be using all mechanisms at our disposal to ensure delivery.”

Ms Ward said: "I am totally and utterly devastated, worn out, fed up and sickened by EirGrid’s continued refusal to stop the pushing forward of pylons in our area and indeed in the whole Meath. Cavan, Monaghan corridor."

She said the people of Meath, Cavan and Monaghan have made it clear for over 15 years that pylons are not and never will be an option.

"Personally, I live on the banks of the Blackwater, in the ancient historical area of Teltown. From my home I can see Donaghpatrick Church, the site on which St Patrick built his first church in Meath - Domhnachpádraig.

"Across the road from the church is Rath Airthir, an ancient ringed fort built by Conall, a brother of the High King of Ireland living in Tara. The rings are still there, a most beautiful sight. I could write so much about our stunningly beautiful historic area, but all that has been presented long ago and yet planning was given.

"If the pylons were to be erected I would see three or four of them from my home. One directly in the centre of the 40-acre field which is bordered by my cul de sac, my site and the Blackwater as it travels to meet the Boyne in Navan."

She said another is proposed for the lane, right in the hedgerow.

"These are right on top of our small cul de sac community."

She said another pylon is proposed, not 50 feet from her neighbour’s house on Teltown Road.

"We have been backed into a most untenable position."

"Our public representatives and our government leaders have failed us and are continuing to fail us. We have been left, it would appear, to the mercy of faceless, nameless civil servants, who care nought about who they are trampling on only their narrow remit and no-one has the courage to call a halt - the courage to do the right thing. Money can never be an excuse - EirGrid has squandered that for 15 plus years," she said.