A group opposed to the electricity substation development in Laois has began their blockade of Eirgrid from entering the site.
Contractors with the state agency are due to begin work soon on the development at Coolnabacca, Ratheniska which is expected to cost in the around €110 million, and secure the electricity supply to the region.
A public meeting was held last week by the RTS Substation Action Group with members of the local community showing their opposition to the plans, which was halted last year after the local authority found it to be in breach of planning laws.
Dave Fingleton of RTS says that there are fears of pollution to the water supply source for 10,000 people.
He said: “Following the public meeting in Ratheniska, where RTS group outlined the imminent danger the source of the community’s water was in, the call for a public protest came from the floor, and the whole attendance agreed that direct action was required to finally put a stop to the madness that building a massive energy hub over a vulnerable aquifer is.
“All of the arms of state have failed this community. Eirgrid, Bord Pleannala, the departments of energy and planning, and most disappointing of all – Laois County Council.
“It’s now time for EirGrid to withdraw from this project once and for all, before this state body causes permanent and irreparable damage to the primary water source in Laois.”
Responding to environmental concerns raised by the group, a spokesperson for Eirgrid said: “As part of our planning application, we thoroughly assessed the potential impacts on water arising from the Laois Kilkenny Project.
“The assessment was carried out according to guidelines specified by the Environmental Protection Agency and included a review of all necessary site investigation reports, water-related guidance, policy documents, legislation and databases.
“We can assure residents in the area that there is no threat to the water supply.
“This is supported by the planning authority An Bord Pleanála (ABP), which held a lengthy oral hearing into the project in Portlaoise in 2013.
“The ABP inspector’s report stated that the development could be carried out and operated satisfactorily from an ecological standpoint.
He added: “It is my view that having regard to the construction methods envisaged and the proposed mitigation measures, that the risk of contamination of any wells in the locality is negligible.”
SEE ALSO – Eirgrid responds to local concerns over substation threat to water source
