Positive reaction in north Mayo to underground power line decision

Mayo County Council members in the Ballina area have welcomed the decision by EirGrid to select an underground cable option for the North Connacht 110 kV project.

The cathaoirleach of Ballina Municipal District, Councillor Seamus Weir (Ind), speaking at the March monthly meeting of the authority, recalled that the issue of the former Grid West project was something over which he left party politics (he had been a member of Fine Gael) in 2014, when similar community concerns were raised about overhead powerlines.

“This,” he said, “is great news, and I welcome the announcement this morning. People did not want the line going overhead.”

It is good news, said Councillor Annie May Reape (Fianna Fáil), who also agreed with the cathaoirleach in noting that there will be obstacles to overcome still, not least crossing the River Moy at some location.

That issue could present a few opportunities, Councillor Mark Duffy (Ind) suggested, such as a pedestrian bridge in tandem with the river crossing, and the possibility of creating part of the proposed greenway linking Ballina with Castlebar and Westport through Foxford and Pontoon while ground is being disturbed for the powerline.

Councillors Jarlath Munnelly and John O'Hara (both Fine Gael) welcomed the project too, with the latter commenting that at 56km or 60km, it will be the longest underground line in Ireland. It will enhance infrastructure in Ballina as well, he added. “It's a plus for us in every way, a win every way for us.”