Over 150 people turned up at the farm of Martina and Michael Roddy at Grange, Boyle, to participate in the launch of the ‘Solar powered Lighting Structure’ on Saturday the 30th of August 2008. This structure was created by Ms Carol Anne Connolly, artist in residence at Mantua Arts Centre, and was placed on the site of a proposed pylon/power lines on the Roddy lands at Grange. It was one of 5 AFTER projects launched by world renowned artist Alfredo Jaar in the Dock Arts Centre Carrick on Shannon on September 5th 2008.

This artistic installation is made from recycled materials, surrounded by LED light bulbs and is completely powered by solar panels, which create 6kw electricity. (It was in situ until Sept 20th at Grange Boyle). It seeks to represent something positive for the local community and environment, in stark contrast to the ESB’s plans for a 220kv overhead power line on 123 ft high pylons along the ESB’s 35 mile, proposed, route through some of the counties finest landscapes from Flagford (Roscommon) to Srananagh, Co. Sligo.  Most of the Roscommon section of the line remains incomplete because of landowners’ refusal to grant access to the ESB for pylon construction.  ESB started this proposed project very soon into the new Millenium in 2000 and have been trying in vain to complete the project.  Grange residents are very interested in the preservation of their local community and environment and will not allow it to be destroyed for any reason. 

 

The solar panels will be donated to Grange NS which is located very close to the proposed 220kv power lines.  The Green Homes Programme has been launched recently in Co Roscommon and residents attended this meeting with a view to getting all other locals involved.  This art installation project has been an inspiration to local residents and many are now keen to look at greener alternatives to power their homes.  Many people attending the project launch at Roddys asked the question 'Who needs monstrous 123ft high pylons when micro power generation such as this is a better cheaper and greener alternative for the future...'

 

 

Other artists involved in the various AFTER projects include: Alice Lyons, Gareth Kennedy, Christine Mackey and Anna McLeod.

 

 

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