Action Group seeks volunteers, funding

Kilcullen meeting Monday nightThe Gridlink Action Group (GAG) set up after the Community Meeting in St Laurence's GAA Club last month is urgently seeking support from Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne.

A 15-person group of team leaders has been set up to coordinate future actions aimed at changing Eirgrid's plans to use overhead lines for the new 400kV between Cork, Wexford and Dunstown outside Kilcullen. The Group says the line should be put underground and claims that there are known health issues related to overground high-tension cables.

A meeting on Monday night in the Community Centre has been organised by GAG, starting at 7.30pm.

The Group's team leaders are organised according to expertise and interests, ranging from agriculture/landowners, equine, residential, fundraising and other areas.

Following Monday night's meeting, a full committee will be set up. Further information can be obtained from the Kilcullen representative on the group, Maurice Cunningham at 086 2669210.

Eirgrid has proposed several routes through Kildare, West Wicklow and Laois. A community consultation process to determine the preferred option is in progress. This will be chosen in March 2014 with planning applications to follow in 2015. Submissions on the proposed routes must be in by 26 November.

GAG is engaging a planning consultant in order to make effective submissions. The Group is looking for donations from individuals in the affected areas to help fund this.

Community workshops will be held in the coming weeks to assist people who wish to make a submission.