'Parish pump politics must be parked for critical infrastructure projects'
Cllr Damien Ryan
Public representatives need to “park parish politics” in order to progress vital infrastructure in Mayo, a local councillor has stated.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Damien Ryan made his comments at last week’s meeting of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District where councillors heard an update from EirGrid on the North Connacht 110KV project, a new underground electricity cable from the Moy substation in Ballina to Tonroe substation in Ballaghaderreen.
Eoghan O’Sullivan, Community Liaison Officer with EirGrid, told the meeting that Phase 1 works were completed last May with Phase 2 works commencing two weeks ago. He said 41 landowners will be impacted by the project, including 37 in Mayo. There is an agreement in principle with 97% of these landowners, he added.
Mr Sullivan said a Community Benefit Fund of €1.53 million will be invested in communities within 2km of a proposed cable line and will be delivered in three phases.
Independent Cllr Richard Finn welcomed the update and said these kinds of projects need to be fast tracked where possible.
“We need power in the west of Ireland. If we don’t have power, we won’t get industry or jobs. We won’t have money or people and that will lead to emigration,” he remarked. “We have to fast forward work when it can deliver more power.”
Cllr Ryan said it was the responsibility of councillors to help deliver these projects.
“We need to have the capacity to welcome industry. Mayo has the capacity to do more. We have to park parish politics and populism.
“This project is not in my own area but it is important to show leadership and welcome critical infrastructure which needs to be on a super highway in terms of planning. People are entitled to object but shouldn’t frustrate processes.”
Fianna Fáil Cllr John Caulfield said it is important to see the bigger picture when it comes to these projects, adding that the North Connacht cable is crucial for development in Mayo.
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
