FARMERS CONTINUE BLOCKADE AGAINST ESB LINE - RADIO MAST OBJECTIONS
I am sending you the below for posting.
Best, Imelda, Cork
IRISH EXAMINER, THURSDAY, 06.07.2006
"FARMERS CONTINUE BLOCKADE AGAINST ESB LINE
by Eoin English
Defiant landowners vowed last night to continue their blockade against an ESB [Electricity Supply Board] power line despite the threat of massive legal bills. The Bantry Concerned Action Group (BCAG) said its members will continue to deny ESB crews access to over 20 farms in the area. The ESB workers, who have a court order allowing them access to land to erect a 14-kilometre power line to a wind farm, have been blocked from farmland since last Thursday. The BCAG was standing firm yesterday despite confirmation from the ESB that it is taking legal action against the landowners to recover the costs of having crews idle in the area since last week. Costs are estimated at up to 15,000 [euros] a day. Landowners were yesterday facing a bill of up to 60,000 [euros]. But BCAG spokesman Joe Burke said his members will not back down. "I don't give two hoots what the ESB say. That's just a threat," he said. "I'm not worried, and the other landowners aren't worried either. Even if it's 100,000 [euros], or 200,000 [euros] a day, my children are more important than that. "I'd never forgive myself that I didn't stand up and protect them. "They can take us to court. All I can do is explain to the judge that this is what the farmers here want." He made his comments as farmers from Waterford, Galway and Tipperary joined the protest. A number of other protesters, linked to the Rossport Five protests in Mayo last year, are also offering support. "
And in today's (Thurs., July 6, 2006) IRISH EXAMINER's "Local News" roundup column the following appears:
"RADIO MAST OBJECTIONS
Groups in Kenmare [Co Kerry] are strongly opposing the erection of a telecommunications mast at the local garda station. Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae said health and safety considerations were no being taken into account and there were schools, shops, hotels and private homes within 1 km of the structure."
Best, Imelda, Cork
IRISH EXAMINER, THURSDAY, 06.07.2006
"FARMERS CONTINUE BLOCKADE AGAINST ESB LINE
by Eoin English
Defiant landowners vowed last night to continue their blockade against an ESB [Electricity Supply Board] power line despite the threat of massive legal bills. The Bantry Concerned Action Group (BCAG) said its members will continue to deny ESB crews access to over 20 farms in the area. The ESB workers, who have a court order allowing them access to land to erect a 14-kilometre power line to a wind farm, have been blocked from farmland since last Thursday. The BCAG was standing firm yesterday despite confirmation from the ESB that it is taking legal action against the landowners to recover the costs of having crews idle in the area since last week. Costs are estimated at up to 15,000 [euros] a day. Landowners were yesterday facing a bill of up to 60,000 [euros]. But BCAG spokesman Joe Burke said his members will not back down. "I don't give two hoots what the ESB say. That's just a threat," he said. "I'm not worried, and the other landowners aren't worried either. Even if it's 100,000 [euros], or 200,000 [euros] a day, my children are more important than that. "I'd never forgive myself that I didn't stand up and protect them. "They can take us to court. All I can do is explain to the judge that this is what the farmers here want." He made his comments as farmers from Waterford, Galway and Tipperary joined the protest. A number of other protesters, linked to the Rossport Five protests in Mayo last year, are also offering support. "
And in today's (Thurs., July 6, 2006) IRISH EXAMINER's "Local News" roundup column the following appears:
"RADIO MAST OBJECTIONS
Groups in Kenmare [Co Kerry] are strongly opposing the erection of a telecommunications mast at the local garda station. Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae said health and safety considerations were no being taken into account and there were schools, shops, hotels and private homes within 1 km of the structure."
rudkla - 6. Jul, 14:00
