CAMPAIGNERS against a controversial electrical substation planned for Co Laois are this week taking their fight to the Dáil to counter the “bully boy” tactics of EirGrid.
The Ratheniska, Timahoe and Spink (RTS) Substation Action Group is calling on locals to join with them in a public protest against EirGrid and also to secure support from Oireachtas members.
EirGrid are due to have an Oireachtas briefing with TDs and senators in the Buswell’s Hotel, located across the road from Leinster House, tomorrow (Wednesday) and the protesters have planned to target the event.
A 50-seater bus is scheduled to leave Timahoe on Wednesday morning at approximately 9.30am.
Chairperson of the RTS Substation Action Group, John Lowry, accused EirGrid of “bully boy” tactics following the company’s High Court challenge when local councillors voted for all-new power lines over 400kv to be placed underground in the county development plan.
“They took the county council to the high court and the council had to withdraw as they had no funding to follow. EirGrid seem to have unlimited amounts of money,” Mr Lowry said.
“They are the big elephant in the room. They’re walking over the small people all the time. That is the way they seem to work. EirGrid are still going about with their bully boy tactics,” he added.
“We will be looking for the support of Oireachtas members this Wednesday as EirGrid launch their information day”.
EirGird have previously said the cost of underground lines were prohibitive, but Mr Lowry pointed to a recent publication by the International Expert Commission Report on the North South Interconnector project, which showed underground lines were a “realistic solution”.