The ESB is to seek a judicial review of the decision by Cork County Council three weeks ago to rescind planning permission for the erection of 80 pylons around Cork Harbour, allowed on appeal by An Bord Pleanala.
The latest move in the two-year battle between the ESB and anti-pylon residents came yesterday when the company announced its intention to appeal the council's decision to An Bord Pleanala.
According to the ESB the 80-pylon project, which would cost £9 million to erect, is vital if power supplies to Cork city are to be maintained and guaranteed. A spokesman for the company said yesterday that the influx of industry to the Cork Harbour area and the buoyant local economy had increased demand for power supplies by more than 50 per cent in the past three years.
The ESB was granted planning permission to erect the pylons in 1997, but this decision was appealed by the harbour residents, and most of last year was spent in discussions to reach a mediated settlement.
But three weeks ago Cork County Council reconsidered its position on the pylon scheme and voted by an overwhelming majority to rescind the planning permission.
Last night Mr Willie Cunningham, a spokesman for the anti-pylon group, said the ESB's stance was not unexpected. "We've been at this stage before and if they win back planning permission from An Bord Pleanala, the fight will simply start all over again," he said.
The residents want the ESB to introduce underwater cables in the harbour area. However, the company says that this would add an extra £20 million to the project.