S. U. P.

Bury the lines before they bury you.

We began as a small group of people who were nominated at a Public Meeting to meet with ESB to discuss the proposed Flagford to Srananagh 220kv line. There is much local concern about it. Progress and the continuous economic development ofthe Region is being used as the argument to drive the line through.In our investigations over the past 3 weeks, following our meeting with ESB Officials, we have established that this is not entirely true.

We found that there were other matters which are of concern but which do not appear to be addressed. We also found that these matters were of concern to groups of people the length ofthe Country - from Cork to Donegal. They contacted us!

We strongly believe in progress and development in the West and the BMW Region. We also believe that it should be sustained. We cannot accept that putting old solutions on new transmission problems is the answer. It is a waste of hard earned resources, including time and money and detrimental to the good of the Region.

Attached is an outline document which indicates some ofour views. It may seem strange that a few local working people can reach such conclusions but we believe the implications are very real. How much more important is it then that our Decision Makers should also be aware of them? There are Scientists, Engineers, Economists and Civil Servants who are better able than us to explain the specific details but their voices have yet to be heard.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss the issues with you or your coileagues as we feel that in the quick fix solution to a real problem, the medium and long term sustained growth for the Region is being ignored.

We agpreciate that you have other more pressing concerns. ESB intend going to our Local Councils for planning permission during the month of September, so we would welcome a response before then. We intend asking for a postponement of any planning decision at least, and until, such a time as the issues raised have been properly addressed and considered. Nationally, we believe that there should be a moratorium on all Grid Reinforcement until the issues are resolved .That is, perhaps, beyond our ability. It does, however, seem irresponsible to waste any more Public Funds until this happens.

Yours Sincerely

RW Henry
Secretary

cc to · Western Development Commissio Border, Midlands,West Region