I thank the committee for inviting us here today. It is great to get an opportunity to talk about an ongoing problem. It was refreshing to hear the authors of the report speak some sense about power lines this morning because we have heard a lot of nonsensical comments over the past number of years.
I am a tillage farmer and business owner from outside Stradbally, County Laois, near a place called Ratheniska. Unlike some of the people who spoke earlier I have 400 kV power lines running over my land. I have two 40 m towers on my land, a yard that I can no longer use for livestock because the power line is right beside it and a 110 kV line crosses my field. When I met EirGrid I asked them to come to my yard some morning and listen to the line sizzling and experience the true effect of living beside a 400 kV line.
The Ratheniska Substation Action Group was formed in reaction to the proposed construction of a massive EirGrid substation close to Stradbally, County Laois. We found out about it in 2009. Members will have our submission but I shall explain it. EirGrid's plan includes a substation, possibly up to 20 acres, with between 15 and 20 power lines. That figure was based on the number of bays in the proposed substation. Approximately one third of the lines will have 400 kV capacity and pylons will be close to 70 m high, with some carrying up to 800,000 volts. Members will know that lightening conductors will exceed the height of these pylons in all cases.
The project came to our attention in 2009 when we saw a newspaper notice and it is included in our handout. We oppose the project because its sheer scale is unsuitable for a rural location. It is a massive project. EirGrid started by saying it would erect a single 110 kV line from the area to Kilkenny. The reason our area was picked was because two lines interconnected. A 400 kV line and a 110 kV line interconnect in a rural area five miles from Portlaoise, or two miles from Stradbally. There is no industrial region or estate within five miles of the area in question, nor is there heavy industry. Page 3 of the handout contains the original notice in the newspaper. It was smaller than the copy the members are looking at. I have highlighted the line in the notice stating, "Demand in the greater Kilkenny area has placed continuing pressure on the transmission network and, as a result, the existing 110 kV network is approaching its technical limit".
We met EirGrid representatives in November 2009 and they told us the sole function of the project was to bring one 110 kV line to Ballyragget in County Kilkenny. We had an idea what substations were like and said we would have to do our own research. We did so and examined 220 kV and 400 kV stations. We counted the lines in all the cases and measured the size of the sites because the operators would not give us exact measurements when we asked for them. We estimated the sites were approximately 20 acres in size, inclusive of landscaping, which is limited, and fencing. We reckoned the scale of the project would be somewhere in the order of 20 acres but we could not ascertain the number of lines. We were told at the first meeting that there would be an element of future-proofing. When we pushed the representatives on this, they would not tell us what it meant.
We asked EirGrid staff at the first meeting whether they would consider a less-populated location. The area in question is an area of intensive tillage and dairy farming. The damage in the area would be serious as a consequence. We asked the staff whether they could consider alternatives in less-populated areas, such as areas with forestry. They said they would consider the matter and revert to us. We said we would agree to meet the representatives a month later. In the interim, Laois County Council agreed with us and voted that the site selected was completely unsuitable for a project of the kind in question.
At the second meeting, we discovered what EirGrid is really like. It had not considered a single location outside the 3 km circle in our area. It had not taken our question seriously at all. We spent two hours arguing with members of EirGrid over why they did not examine other locations. We asked whether they could tell us the number of power lines and the definition of "future-proofing". Eventually, after two hours, we had to walk out because we got no information.
The notice in the newspaper was the only notice made available to householders. It was nearly missed. A local happened to see it and demanded a small meeting of approximately ten people, which was then convened. EirGrid did not send any notification to anybody in the area, considering it was to build a structure that could possibly be the height and size of Croke Park. It should have been within its remit to notify all householders in the area of its plans. The first people to know in County Laois were the members of the chamber of commerce. They were notified four months earlier than we were, although we are the residents of the area. This is symptomatic of EirGrid's behaviour. EirGrid did not send out one notice unless it was requested.
With regard to long-term damage to the community, we are in a valley that is close to the site of the Electric Picnic, which is a significant tourist attraction. There is a round tower in Timahoe, which is of a similar age to that in Glendalough. The Rock of Dunamaise is one of the most historic sites in Ireland and there is a fantastic valley. The development is to be in the bottom of it and would be seen from every possible direction. It could not be missed. The project would utterly destroy the valley, as members can imagine. Most of the 400 kV pylons are between 35 m and 45 m high. The proposed pylons would be almost twice as high. It is unacceptable that anybody should have to put up with that sort of visual effect.
The health implications have been spoken about by NEPPC, which has done a lot more work on this subject than we have. The group represents a larger number of people. While EirGrid's North-South project is to cost €280 million, the one in question, valued at €100 million, is no small one. By comparison with the North-South project, it is still quite considerable. Fears of health implications go without saying, as do fears over damage to the area.
The main point of contention is the manner in which EirGrid has treated people since the first day. It took from November 2009 until April or May 2010 for us to find out how many bays EirGrid would construct. The only way we could find out was through the Midland Regional Authority in Athlone, which put questions directly to EirGrid. EirGrid told us at that stage it did not know how many bays it would have in the substation, but we found out from its 2008 transmission plan, which is included in our submission on page 6, that there are references to six 400 kV bays and seven 110 kV bays. It states there was to be a further 110 kV station with four 110 kV bays. We were told we were exaggerating to the public when we referred to this number of bays. We asked EirGrid why it was constructing a station that would feed an entire city, or two cities, in a small rural area such as that in question given that it first claimed it wanted to install a 110 kV line. This is the way we have been treated all along by EirGrid. We received no information until the company was put under pressure. When it gives information, it tells us what it wants us to know and no more.
The small notice in the newspaper was the only notice on the project. There was no information on the full extent of the project, the number of lines or the location. The meetings were unhelpful and absolutely disgraceful. EirGrid does not engage with people. We received conflicting answers at various meetings in respect of differences between underground and overground options, and on the cost of installing 110 kV lines underground. EirGrid staff stated here that there is no problem at all putting 110 kV lines underground, yet we were told it could not be done and that the cost would be insurmountable. This is happening all the time.
There was public consultation in June 2010 in Kilkenny and Portlaoise but we received one day's notice in the press. We received no notification by post, and there were no leaflet drops. There were no telephone calls or e-mails. When we pressed EirGrid on this matter, it said it forgot, despite the fact that the project is valued at €100 million. This is symptomatic of its approach. We protested at the meetings over the manner in which we were treated. The company did not give sufficient notice and we said that if that was the way we were to be treated, we would protest on the consultation day. This represented an opportunity lost for EirGrid in addition to us.
Mr. Lowry and I have been to a couple of conferences. EirGrid held a stakeholders' conference in Carlow about our project, yet the people who were to be directly affected on the ground were the only ones not invited. We went to the meeting at the invitation of Deputy Sean Fleming because he told us it was on. All the "stakeholders", as EirGrid calls them, were invited, yet none of those directly affected by the project was in attendance.
We attended EirGrid's national conference in 2010 in County Louth. In all the opening addresses, and even in that by the CER, there was no reference to the effect the projects would have on the people on the ground. This is a common thread.
We asked EirGrid representatives on a number of occasions whether they would attend local meetings to explain their position to the people. They refused to do so time and again and stated their doing so would be counter-productive. EirGrid uploaded maps and pictures, which were taken before its representatives even talked to us. It took pictures on lands in our area and based on what those pictures reveal regarding what was in the fields, we know when they were taken and at what time of the year. They were taken before EirGrid even started talking to us and before it informed us. It was taking photographs on our lands without permission and those photographs, as well as entire maps of landowners' farms, were put up on its website without any permission from the landowners in question or other residents in the area. This is not acceptable behaviour from any State company, as permission should be sought for such activities.
I referred earlier to the refusal to discuss or entertain alternative options put forward by our researchers. While we have put a great deal of effort into this issue, it is a total drag for us to be involved. Although we have spent hours upon hours on it since 2009, between talking to politicians and councillors, driving around to look at powerlines, examining the grid and trying to get research, we have no resources. EirGrid has endless resources, as is evident from the Meath project where it pulled out of the planning process when things did not go its way. I am unsure about the estimated cost but I believe members are well aware of how much this cost. We have no money to handle such matters.
I refer to EirGrid's total lack of respect for the community. While that might sound strong, it is the fact of the matter as this company does not respect people on the ground. It is a bit rich for EirGrid to claim before this joint committee that it is doing its best to engage with and talk to people as this simply is not true. For example, one must go as far as page 15 or page 16 of the presentation it provided today before coming across a reference to human beings, as they call them - not taxpayers, not citizens, not husbands or wives but human beings - and that is symptomatic of this company. While this disgraceful and arrogant attitude permeates right through the company and we have seen it at all levels, it simply is not acceptable. Moreover, as members have heard, similar problems have arisen with other EirGrid projects throughout Ireland.
Another major problem concerns An Bord Pleanála in that while I do not have a problem with the board, we have no appeals body as the State has taken away our right to an appeal. Consequently, in the case of Ratheniska, a company that has all the powers and all the money has started off with what was a small project. However, it subsequently has intervened in respect of the county development plans for all the counties surrounding us in an attempt to get justification to make this project look as though it is essential for each county on the eastern seaboard. This is simply not the case. Earlier, I mentioned the initial description of the project on page 3 of our submission. If one compares it with the letter that was sent out subsequently that is included on the next page of the submission, members will see the project initially was to support the greater Kilkenny area with one 110 kV line. However, the second letter, which was sent out in January, states the project is vital to ensure the continued security and quality of high-voltage electricity supply to the local region, including Laois, Kilkenny, Kildare, Carlow and Wicklow. That is very different to the initial project as advertised by EirGrid and members can read between the lines themselves.
Another point concerns what a councillor in Portlaoise described as the two sides of EirGrid. There is the EirGrid that wants to invite one in for cups of tea and biscuits but then, if one does not agree with it, EirGrid takes one to court. For example, page 5 of our submission contains a letter that was sent to my neighbour, Mr. John Lowry, who is the chairman of this action group. During the week that Teresa Treacy was put in prison in Mountjoy and in the midst of the associated media circus, Mr. Lowry received a solicitor's letter from EirGrid because two of its staff members stated he had recorded their conversation on a mobile telephone in his own yard into which they had not been invited. EirGrid sent him a solicitor's letter telling him to destroy the recording on his telephone. Nevertheless, its representative sat in this very seat earlier on and stated the company was making every effort to consult and deal with people on a local level. Members can read this letter for themselves, as it is set out in black and white.
I will not delay members for too long and will move on by turning to what the action group wants to know. If this project is about bringing a single 110 kV line to Kilkenny, as originally advertised, why is EirGrid putting in place a facility of this scale, which is capable of taking 15 to 20 lines? The company now claims the project is required for counties Laois, Kilkenny, Carlow, Wicklow and Kildare when initially it was to cater for demand in the greater Kilkenny area. This simply is not good enough and is unacceptable. No one would apply for planning permission by initially stating one intended to build a single house, only to then turn around and state one intends to build 20 houses. Effectively, this is what these guys are doing. Although EirGrid stated its intention to apply for planning for one line, it now states its intention to put in place a facility to take 20 lines.
The action group wants to know whether EirGrid has future plans to bring a 400 kV line from Cork. Our contention all along has been that EirGrid is building such a line. We contend it is trying to sneak it in as a small structure because it wishes to build a super substation or hub in the midlands to take a 400 kV line. The company has denied to us that such a line is planned. However, I refer to page 7 of the submission, which contains a document with an EirGrid heading. Although the copy is a little vague, it comes from negotiations the action group had with the Commission for Energy Regulation and members can see it is a proposal for a €441 million project coming from Cork to Dublin. Nevertheless, EirGrid has denied to us that a 400 kV line was coming from Cork. We asked EirGrid about it because we knew it was coming or was in the pipeline. When we asked the company whether such a line was coming to our area, it replied it definitely was not. However, it also denied that such a line ever was coming.
In addition, given that EirGrid has approximately 28 km of underground 400 kV line outside Dublin, why did it oppose Laois County Council's development plan, which states that in future, 400 kV lines in County Laois should be underground? This specification is contained in our county plan at present and was the subject of a unanimous vote by Laois County Council. Neither the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government nor the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, overturned this plan but EirGrid took Laois County Council to the High Court and outlined what would be the repercussions for councillors if they did not overturn the plan. It was claimed that such councillors could be levied directly with the costs, which could run to €250,000. As members might expect, the councillors could not possibly take such a risk of being levied. Were they to lose, the county council would not take the hit on the legal costs and it would be levied on the councillors themselves, who in consequence were obliged to agree. I do not think the provision actually has been removed from the county development plan yet but the councillors were obliged to agree to amend it.
This pertains to the rights of people in County Laois and of their public representatives. In our consultations with them, they could see the future in County Laois lies in agriculture, tourism and similar measures that people are trying to develop in the county and a 400 kV line overground goes completely against that. The county councillors saw the value in the suggestion and voted unanimously to put such lines underground. However, EirGrid thinks it can overrun the rights of citizens in our county and our will to vote through this measure. The company has threatened the councillors in the High Court, effectively with taxpayers' money, and has taken away our rights. This simply is not acceptable and the committee should look into this issue because that sort of thing should not be allowed to happen.
In respect of our particular case, the action group wishes to know the reason EirGrid has not realistically looked at other options and note other substations are located in other parts of the country. A project in Nenagh that was part of Grid 25 was pulled - Ratheniska was not even in the main body of Grid 25 - and we asked the company the reason. Even though I am sure EirGrid told the people in Nenagh that this project was required and the country could not survive without it, nevertheless it was pulled. Although we could get no explanation as to the reason for this, I note that also was a 400 kV substation. There already are existing substations from which a 110 kV underground cable could be brought to Kilkenny to support it. The argument being thrown around to farmers in our locality is that Glanbia cannot expand because it will not have enough power and because Glanbia is the biggest user of power in County Kilkenny. However, as Glanbia has a fully integrated CHP plant that I am assured can provide it with all the power it needs and which possibly can feed back into the grid, that company does not require power. This story simply is not true but is the sort of stuff that is being bandied about by certain employees of the ESB or EirGrid.
The action group does not understand the reason EirGrid keeps us in the dark. While we would have found out the information eventually anyway, the company should have told us exactly what was the position straight away, because its approach merely angers people more, which is what the company has succeeded in doing to date. Why has EirGrid been given so much unregulated power? It appears to me as though it claims that everything about human beings, landscape and everything is a matter for An Bord Pleanála but that simply is not acceptable. They have been given far too much power. They think they can do what they like and if one does not agree with them they will take one to the High Court. That sort of attitude is not acceptable.
Who independently evaluates EirGrid? Does anybody do so? We want our project to be evaluated. We want somebody to look at it and say whether it is necessary. The scale of the project is either necessary or unnecessary considering that power usage is down by 20%. There is a shortage of money in the country, yet they are talking about spending €100 million here.
We are taxpayers, citizens and caretakers of this country. We would like to be treated with respect and common decency by this State body. The arrogant behaviour we have witnessed from EirGrid, from the top down, is unacceptable and must change. We want an independent evaluation of this project, its justification and suitability. I have explained about the county development plan and we want the decision of our county council kept. We want EirGrid to withdraw its High Court case on that. We want decisions at a senior level. We are fed up dealing with people on the ground at EirGrid. We have no time or respect for them anymore at this stage because they do not give us the answers we ask for and it takes us months to find them for ourselves.
If discussions are to take place, they will have to be at a senior level. We hope the joint committee can see our point of view, as well as the frustrations we are having to deal with. We would obviously like to move the matter on and try to resolve the problems we are facing.
We do not trust or believe anything that EirGrid says at this stage. There is so much anger on the ground in our area that nobody wants to entertain the idea of dealing with the company. We had our protest in January and had a meeting with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, on Friday. In addition, the joint committee has taken an interest in our case, inviting us to speak here today. As a result, EirGrid is throwing out information left, right and centre. Up to mid-January, EirGrid had even refused to provide a map to our own Oireachtas Members to show where the route was going. We were left with a scenario whereby we had to piece together every farmer's section of the line, put them on a community hall floor and join them together to see where the route was going. EirGrid gave each farmer a map of his section of the line, but the company does not want to provide the full line as that would mean one could put the whole jigsaw together and thus stronger community groups could be formed with more power. EirGrid will not give us the information. Our Oireachtas Members know that because they approached EirGrid and were told up to mid-January that they would not get the map. That is not acceptable.
Until such time as our concerns are recognised this project will be stalled. We will not get involved with a company that deals with us like this. This is a State company which taxpayers, including us, pay for. We look after our countryside. We built our own water scheme in our area and maintain all the ditches. We have a local village with a new school and a state-of-the-art GAA pitch. We have put everything into our community but these guys think they can come in and, with a click of their fingers, destroy that community. That is simply unacceptable to us.
I am sorry if I went on for too long, but it is an emotive issue for us. I hope the joint committee has got the gist of it. I wish to thank the members of the joint committee, as well as our local Oireachtas Members for their support.
