28 July 2015
An Bord Pleanála,
64 Marlborough Street,
Dublin 1,
Ireland.
Board reference: 02.VA0017
Applicant: EirGrid Plc
Proposed Development: North – South 400kV Interconnector
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to An Bord Pleanála to record my objection to the above application by EirGrid to construct
electricity pylons and lines right through County Meath. I am engaged in the equine industry and working
with horses on a daily basis. The plans by EirGrid to erect literally thousands of extra high voltage lines
and pylons across the country is a major threat to our bloodstock industry.
I have two major objections to the planning application, namely the extremely negative effect on horses
and the health risks from working in the vicinity of these pylons.
Horses are very susceptible to EMF and develop lower red cell blood counts. When horses are worked in
areas with extra high voltage powerlines, they often refuse to jump and become very hard to handle. It is
well known that horses will refuse to trot close to these electricity lines and often can become ‘spooked’
from the noise and or the shadows caused by them. Even at long distances away the noise emissions or
the EMF emissions can cause them to become very agitated, which is a major risk for jockeys.
There are also major health concerns from having the lines and pylons close to our workplace. In the
case of high voltage overhead powerlines, these should not be built close to houses or stud farms where
horses are being bred or trained.
There is no need to destroy the landscape with a blight of pylons, when they could all be put
underground.
I would have no objection to these lines being placed underground.
Signed ----------------------------