Eco-activists protesting against the planned erection of 84 high-voltage pylons around Cork Harbour have broken up their camps and are leaving the area after claiming victory against the ESB.
According to a Cork Harbour Anti-Pylon Group spokesman, Mr Eddie Mansworth, the eco-activists have dismantled their camps at Cobh on Great Island and at Saleen outside Midleton as the county council has revoked planning permission.
"The ESB has no planning permission for the high-voltage line, and we believe the battle will now be fought out in the courts so the eco-activists have decided to dismantle their camps, though they will return if required," said Mr Mansworth.
Tunnels at both camps along the planned route of the 220 KV line have been collapsed and tree houses dismantled by the eco-activists, who pledged to restore both sites. Mr Bob Burns said they would return if the ESB attempted to erect the pylons.
An ESB spokesman confirmed the company had received notification from Cork County Council that planning permission for the pylon project had been revoked, and said the matter was being considered by its legal advisers.