Eirgrid policy reversal a massive victory for Tipperary – McGrath
Independent TD Mattie McGrath has welcomed the decision by Eirgrid to substantially reverse its proposed policy for the South-East Grid-Link Project. Deputy McGrath made his comments after Eirgrid today accepted that its strategy for the project was not the best option for community’s that would have been directly affected:
“I am delighted that Eirgrid have finally conceded to the wisdom of local communities right across the South East and Tipperary in particular.
What Eirgrid have effectively acknowledged is that rural communities and towns have at all stages of this campaign demonstrated far more vision and practical insight about this process than it has been capable of generating.
The decision to prioritise the use of the current infrastructure from Dublin to Moneypoint represents a major concession and a significant departure from Eirgrid’s previous assertions about technical impossibilities as an insurmountable obstacle.
While there is no doubt this is a massive victory for organised and sustained community protest, it is also raises disturbing questions about what was actually driving the determination to have over-head pylons prioritised.
We need clear answers to those questions if there is to be any faith at all in developing a responsible and accountable energy policy for this Island,” concluded Deputy McGrath.
