The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) is facing mounting criticism and concern over its plans to pay millions to landowners to allow for the construction of power lines across private property. The scheme, which has been met with opposition from some local residents and environmental campaigners, could potentially see significant pay-outs for land access, leaving many questioning the fairness of the compensation process. As a result, many are calling for increased transparency and accountability from the ESB to ensure that the interests of both landowners and the wider community are being served.
The ESB is concerned about having to pay out millions of euros for allowing power lines to cross private land if the time limit for bringing a claim is not established. The issue was raised in a High Court case where a landowner sought compensation seven years after a power line was installed on their property. The court is now determining the applicable time limit for bringing such claims under the Statute of Limitations Act 1957. The case centres on a power line for the Gorman-Meath Hill line installed in 2011. The ESB has been granted permission to have the case referred to the fast track Commercial Court as it has implications for similar claims. The ESB argues that claimants should have an incentive to file claims as soon as possible, as evidence becomes more unreliable over time. With several million euros at stake, the determination of the applicable limitation is crucial for fair and timely resolution of claims.
As ESB’s compensation package for private landowners who agree to power lines being erected over their properties is set to be unveiled, concerns are growing about the potential costs involved. With millions of euros potentially at stake, there are fears that the burden may fall on Irish taxpayers. It remains to be seen how the situation will play out, but it is clear that this issue highlights the importance of working collaboratively with communities and private landowners in energy infrastructure projects to ensure that their concerns and needs are addressed from the outset.
