A decision by Sligo County Council to grant planning permission to the ESB for a controversial 220kV power line through the south of the county is to be appealed to An Bord Pleanβla.
The plan has been opposed by local groups in the north Roscommon and south Sligo area and more than 7,000 people signed a petition objecting to it.
A spokesman confirmed yesterday that a number of different groups involved in the campaign were determined to appeal the decision made this week.
The proposed power line would go in a circular route from Flagford in north Co Roscommon to a new sub-station to be built at Srananagh near Sooey in Co Sligo.
Those opposed to it have stressed that they are not anti-development and have said they want the electricity supply upgraded. They argue, however, that 30-metre high pylons crossing the rural area would have an adverse impact on tourism and that the power line would also go close to important megalithic sites.
The ESB has ruled out a suggestion to put the lines underground.
The ESB and some business interests in Sligo have argued that the power line is needed to attract more industry to the region.
A spokesman for the Sooey Action Group, Mr John Gethins, said yesterday he was disappointed with Sligo Co Council's decision. "They seem to have taken the view that we will go to An Bord Pleanβla anyway and they are letting An Bord Pleanβla do the work for them," he said.