Category: News
96fm interview on Anti Converter Movement
Listen in to Marguerite Cremin, talking about the effect of Eirgrid Celtic Converter on the community, heritage & Environment of Knockraha. Cork’s 96FM 35 mins in, next steps taking petitions to Eirgrid HQ, Dublin
https://play.acast.com/…/f319bc99-ea1d-4dba-9918-2267788535…

Knockraha Environment Group Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 16.01.20
Knockraha ‘Says No’ To EIRGID Converter
OPPOSTION TO EIRGRID 1 BILLION EURO POWER CONVERTOR GAINS MOMENTUM
The rural farming community of Knockraha, East Cork has gained significant momentum with their objection to EIRGRID’s proposal, for a 700 MW power convertor within their local vicinity.
One of the most significant developments came from Mrs Marie O’Sullivan, landowner.
“We completely object to EIRGRID building a power convertor on our land. This vast power convertor will, without doubt, destroy an area of historical and environmental significance, forever. We will take our objection to the highest level and do our utmost to ensure this destruction does not take place.”
Others in the local community have expressed a number of concerns regarding this industrialisation of its surroundings. A local farmer, John Paul Mulcahy comments
“My family and I have farmed in Knockraha for over seven generations. The land here is ideal for farming; it’s also home to ancient roads with unique hedgerows for wildlife. All of this will come under threat if our rural infrastructure has to make way for EIRGRID’s power convertor. We will fight every bit of the way, to protect Knockraha.”
Another local resident had concerns over Water supply, Eileen MyLod commented
“We are surprised that so little consideration has been given to the high risk of water contamination on the proposed sites. The sites rivers and streams supply waterworks for Watergrasshill, Glanmire and St. Stephens Hospital. Not to mention our local ecosystem. This really requires proper consideration and debate”
Submission of objections to ERIGRID’s plans for Knockraha has already reached over 800 with more expected in the coming days.
To ensure their voices of objection are heard the Knockraha Environmental Group have scheduled a demonstration walk on Sunday, January 19th, 11am leaving from Substation, Pigeon Hill, Knockraha T56 V673

Knockraha Environment group will host a walk beginning at Substation Entrance (Pigeon Hill) at 11am from proposed Converter site 9B to Meeleen House proposed site 12 for 12 noon. Family Friendly, Bring Signs. all welcome!
There will also be cars available between the two sites if you are infirm or cannot walk the whole distance. Parking available at each location.
Any questions, please email or facebook message.
Anti Converter Walk – St Stephen’s Day
Anti- Converter Walk – St Stephens Day
Knockraha Environment group will host a walk beginning at Substation Entrance (Pigeon Hill) at 11am from proposed Converter site 9B to Meeleen House proposed site 12 for 12 noon. Family Friendly, Bring Signs. all welcome!
Walk or car share between sites.
Knockraha Environment Group Flyer

Eirgrid could face stiff opposition to aspects of its €1bn project to import electricity from France, after announcing its preferred site in Co Cork for a major electrical converter station.
The company has also finally identified its preferred sites for landfall of a submarine cable from France and the converter station, both of which will form part of a project to secure Ireland’s energy needs into the future.
Knockraha Environment Group Press Release
ERIGRID TARGETS KNOCKRAHA FOR ITS €530 MILLION EUROPEAN COMMISSION CONVERTER STATION
The rural farming community of Knockraha, East Cork, were left in shock recently with the announcement from ERIGRID that out of its twelve sites, it had shortlisted two potential sites in Knockraha.
The site of the energy converter station will be the size of 4 football pitches causing significant noise, disruption to nature, heritage sites, families and farming communities.
The proposed site, and preferred site by ERIGRID, of Kilquane, Knockraha is by a forest plantation that backs onto neighbouring houses and farms. The site is located near two historical sites, known as ‘The Rea’ – it was an execution site and burial ground in the War of Independence. The second cultural heritage site Sing Sing prision.
The second proposed site is by an existing power station in Knockraha, which is already 500m close to 5 residential properties and 31 buildings within 1km and is also located near significant historical sites. This power station has already doubled in size over a number of years.
The local community have formed Knockraha Environment Group. It’s spokesperson Marguerite McGregor commented, “Our community cannot understand how EIRGRID believe Kilquane, site 12* and Knockraha, site 9b* is a feasible option to convert billions worth of electricity for Ireland, Wales and beyond. We will do everything in our power to protect our rural community and our unspoilt environment, from industrial creep, to ensure it’s not destroyed forever”