Teresa Treacy released in trees v power lines row
Sixty-five-year-old Teresa Treacy has been released from prison despite refusing to purge her contempt of court for trying to stop a power line being laid across her land in Co Offaly.
Ms Treacy wanted to protect her trees from being cut down by ESB and Eirgrid.
Asked by judge Mary Laffoy if she was prepared to purge her contempt of court Teresa Treacy replied: 'No, I'm not'.
The 65-year-old was jailed more than three weeks ago for obstructing ESB and Eirgrid workers from building pylons on her lands in Clonmore, Tullamore.
The court has heard that in her absence, and before protesters intervened, her family permitted work to go ahead. Between 80% to 85% of the trees she wished to save were cut down.
ESB and Eirgrid said they were keen for Ms Treacy to take legal advice. They asked the judge to discharge the order committing her to prison. Ms Justice Laffoy has agreed to the request.
Ms Justice Laffoy has agreed but a spokesperson for Teresa Treacy has indicated they may yet appeal to the Supreme Court against the underlying orders that allow the power line to be laid on her lands.
