Power lines are `unsightly'

The mountainous landscape of Donegal does not absorb the vertical intrusion of huge poles and pylons, which are malevolent monstrosities…

The mountainous landscape of Donegal does not absorb the vertical intrusion of huge poles and pylons, which are malevolent monstrosities, an An Taisce member told a planning inquiry yesterday.

Ms Mary Gallagher McBride was speaking during the fifth day of An Bord Pleanala's oral hearing into appeals against Donegal County Council's decision to grant planning permission to the ESB to construct a 110kV power line.

Mr Anthony O'Neill, an independent landscape consultant retained by the ESB, told the hearing he could say with confidence the work carried out by the design team and the concern they gave to siting the pole sets and angle masts would produce a satisfactory visual solution.

The hearing into objections concludes today.