ESB PUBLISHES CHOSEN ROUTE FOR HIGH VOLTAGE CONNEMARA POWERLINE

Date Published: 18-Jan-2008

ESB Networks has announced it's preferred route for a 20 million euro high voltage overhead power line for Connemara.The route is 51 kms long and will run from the Salthill Sub-station north towards Moycullen, Oughterard, close to Maam Cross and back down to the Screeb sub-station at Gortmore.The project is planned for completion by 2010 and a planning application will be made directly to An Bord Pleanala by the end of June. ESB Networks say they'll aim to ensure no landowner will be at a financial loss or have the line run closer than 50 metres to a house. A report on the selected route also says it's not been established that power-frequency electric and magnetic fields cause adverse health effects in humans. Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon O'Cuiv says the powerline is needed urgently to secure power supply in both South and West Connemara.