asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will introduce legislation to have compensation paid to landowners who have ESB pylons erected on their lands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ESB Pylons.
43.
I am satisfied that claims for compensation by landowners arising out of the erection of ESB pylons on their land can be adequately dealt with by the ESB under existing legislation and it is not proposed to promote further legislation.
In view of the fact that I wrote to the ESB in reference to such compensation and was told there was no legislation under which compensation could be paid, would the Minister not consider looking into the matter now and giving me, perhaps, full details as to what the position actually is?
The position is that the ESB in some cases make an ex gratia payment where there has been substantial interference with land. I have had very few complaints about their general conduct in that regard. If the Deputy has a special case in mind, he should address a statement to the ESB in the hope that they might take some sympathetic action.
Is the Minister aware that there is considerable danger from electricity pylons during thunderstorms? In Wexford, 20 cattle were, in fact, killed during such a storm because of a pylon on the farmer's land. No compensation was paid and I was informed there is no legislation to enable compensation to be paid in such cases.