S. U. P.

Bury the lines before they bury you.

AMP

FLAGFORD TO SRANANAGH ESB 240kv LINE

We began as a small group of people who were nominated at a Public Meeting to meet with ESB to discuss the proposed Flagford to Srananagh 220kv line. We are a nonpolitical group and agreed at the outset that we would be even handed in the distribution of our findings. Our primary objective is to force a rethink ofESB policy with regard to overhead lines and pylons in the West. We also strongly believe that there should be sustained progress and development in the West.

There is much local concern about this latest line proposal. Many ofthese concerns centre around health, the environment and the actual need for an overhead line when it could as easily be put underground. We also believe that this new line has less to do with the "Continuous economic development in the Region" and more to do with the positioning of Corporate ESB for any future flotation. Other options are not being considered.

We also understand from ESB that, as far as they are concerned, the decision has already been made and that the 'consultation process' upon which they are engaged is only concerned with the actual placement of pylons. This does not seem like a true consultation process. The answers must lie with our elected representatives.

I attach a copy of a covering letter and outline document af our findings sent by us to the Chief Executives of the WDC and the BMW Region. Minister O'Rourke and Minister Jacobs have also been copied into this correspondence. The implications for the County, the Region and the Country could be quite damaging in 5 years time. 'The Economist' dated 5/8/00 reinforces the near future in articles entitled 'The Electric Revolution'. We have yet to hear about these major concerns from our leading supplier of power.

ESB intend going to the Council for planning permission in September. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss the matters raised in the attached papers with you and your colleagues before then. Failing this, we ask that you consider refusing or at least postponing planning permission until these serious issues have been investigated

Agreeing to this overhead line would be in direct contravention of the County Dervelopment Plan which we have heen asked to support.

This letter has been copied to all your colleagues on the County Council.

Yours Sincerely,

RW Henry
Secretary