The ESB's plan to reinforce power supplies in Connemara faces an uncertain future, following a Bord Pleanála decision to overturn planning approval for part of the project on environmental grounds
The appeals board has upheld objections lodged by a number of local residents in relation to the proposed construction of a new 110kv/38kv distribution station in the townland of Camus Eighter.
The plan involves removing about 15,000 cubic metres of peat.
It also involves erecting a new 110kv overhead power line from Lenabower to the station at Camus Eighter, and looping the existing 38kv line between Carraroe, Screebe and Spiddal into the new station.
The overhead lines would extend some 30km (18 miles)across a number of Connemara townlands from the Galway city suburbs to Camus.
However, the area covers the Connemara bog complex Special Area of Conservation and designated Natural Heritage Areas and the plan would contravene the EU Habitats Directive, the appeals board has said.
The board found it would be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development, and the distribution station would have significant adverse environmental impacts.
The overhead lines would cause "visual distortion" above the natural contours in "remote, unspoilt, highly scenic locations", it says.
The board's ruling notes that the environmental impact statement submitted by the ESB for the project did not comply with the requirements of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, due to "a lack of details".
The information missing pertained to the impact on soil, water, flora and fauna, and the inter-relationship between them.
A spokesman for the ESB said that the company was studying the full implications of the ruling.
He did not envisage a new planning application being lodged "in the short term".
It is understood that the ESB has not yet submitted a revised application for a similar project in Donegal which was ruled against in 2001.
The plan to support existing 38kv power supplies in Connemara with a 110kv support line was intended to meet existing and projected demand for the next 15 to 20 years in the area.
