Tyrone Courier - Features - Interconnector message reaches out to local communities

Features

Interconnector message reaches out to local communities

Wednesday, 27 May 2009

CONCERNED residents and landowners in the Derrynoose area of Armagh have formed a special sub-committee in direct opposition to the overhead Tyrone/Cavan Interconnector.
Working closely with action group SEAT (Safe Electricity Armagh and Tyrone), the Derrynoose group hope to bring the message of the campaign directly to the people of their own community, encouraging that they get involved at a local level.
Landowner and Derrynoose Committee member, Rita Keenan said: "It is hoped the group will assist SEAT in its campaign, helping ease the massive workload they are currently undertaking in campaigning to the people of counties Armagh and Tyrone.
“The reality of it is that we hope to reach out to the people of our own community and get them involved at a local level."
Rita, who will live within 100 metres of a pylon if plans are approved, explained her and her local community's concerns.
“Derrynoose is a very rural area enjoying beautiful wildlife and fabulous scenery," said Rita. "The fort is just one local landmark while the area itself is renowned for its great number of pheasants, all of which we feel will suffer is this monstrosity is approved."
Rita further added that if plans were approved, the overhead pylons and cables would run close to the local Community Centre and Primary School, St Mochuas.
“Derrynoose is a very tight-knit community and almost every night there is some form of activity in our local community hall," added Rita.
“People's livelihoods are at risk here. If approved, a pylon will be placed in the field next to my own home. I have three children who would like to build homes on this land in the future but if the overhead project goes ahead, the land could not be used for this.
“Planning applications are regularly refused as they do not fit in with the skyline, but how will this fit in here?"
The Derrynoose sub-committee will hold its first meeting for concerned residents at Derrynoose Community Hall on June 2 beginning at 8pm. SEAT have expressed hope that similar groups will eventually be established in Killyman/Turleenan, Moy, Benburb, Blackwatertown, Tullysaran, Killylea, Cormeen, Madden and Drumhillery to work along side Derrynoose.
SEAT encourage objection letters
SEAT have issued a reminder that letter writing once NIE have applied for formal planning permission is vital.
Campaigner Julianne Denvir explained: "All letter writing to NIE, the Utility Regulator, Planning Service, RSPB and newspapers is extremely useful but the most important letter we need is the letter of objection once NIE apply for formal planning permission.
“We need thousands of these. Every member of a household can object in own right for example a family of six can have at least six objections (parents can object on kids and infants' behalf) while visitors, relatives, schools, businesses and churches can also object. All employees on farms can object as well.
“Concerned residents can phone the helpline on 07549171023 to get advice and suggestions for objecting."
SEAT are also appealing for all those who are concerned, especially landowners, to make themselves known. Julianne added: "We now need people to come to us in order to effectively move this campaign forward. Also we would like to thank the many hundreds who have already been in touch.
“Landowners must ask NIE to reply in writing to the twelve questions we have posed. Anyone who wants a copy of these phone the helpline. Any landowners concerned at how to respond to NIE's requests for meetings phone SEAT for advice.
“The key message is that anyone concerned needs to DO something - no matter how small. Complacency is dangerous and people power is what is needed!"