Opposition grows to Diamond power proposal in Donegal Town

Plans to erect a giant electricity power unit on Donegal Town's historic Diamond have met with local opposition.

It is understood the ESB intends to erect an eight-foot high by ten-foot-wide cabinet at the Abbey Hotel side of this area right beside the 89-year-old freestanding four-sided obelisk/memorial erected to commemorate the four monks from the Franciscan friary in the town that compiled the Annals of the Four Masters between 1630 and 1636.

Mayor Pauric Kennedy has very strong reservations about the proposal. He fears that if it goes ahead it could undermine not only the town's attractiveness as a holiday destination but future plans for the development of an enhanced Diamond area within a masterplan as an important multi-use public space for both community and tourism use.

"I was shocked when I learned of the proposal earlier this week. This cannot be allowed to happen in our wee town. The one that was replaced on the corner opposite Magee’s shop is a disgrace because it’s blocking the view of the Diamond. Now to have one opposite the Abbey Hotel would be absolutely criminal. It looks like Dr Who's Tardis, well out of place in Donegal Town."

He suggested there should be enough imagination and expertise within the ESB to either move the cabinet to a new location altogether or construct four discreet smaller cabinets to do the same job.

He appealed to everyone to lobby the ESB, their local politicians and anyone who could help some this from happening.

"The ESB are not skint. They have enough money to find an imaginative solution and not further threaten the look of our historic Diamond. I have tried to get answers from them but no one has come back to me to date," he added.

The controversy was also aired at Tuesday's meeting of the Donegal Municipal District.
Cllr Micheal Naughton called for a workshop to deal with the issue.

"I know we might not have much say over it as the ESB are answerable to nobody, I think there is no harm calling for a workshop to meet them about this cabinet because it could be an eyesore in the middle of all the investment going into the Diamond."
This was seconded by Cllr Noel Jordan.

The meeting was told by their area manager for roads and transportation, Mark Sweeney that they could request a meeting with Enerveo through their roads design section in Lifford which dealt directly with them.

He said they explored the possibility of burying them but were told this could give rise to the wires being affected by water.

"We can certainly look to have a meeting with them to see what the options are but they did tell us that the demand for power around the Diamond was increasing all the time and the old units are not capable of meeting that demand and that is why they have to upgrade," he said.

A spokesman for the ESB this (Wednesday) afternoon said the proposed improvements would benefit the town.

"The upgrade works will bring benefits to local businesses in terms of improvements in the quality of electricity supply and allow for increased load in the area. We work closely with stakeholders including Donegal County Council in relation to the most appropriate siting of any installations.”