Leitrim power outages spark calls for forestry action after recent storm

Thousands of homes in Leitrim were left without power and water during Storm Darragh, with many households remaining without electricity for over a week after the storm.

The ESB cited forestry as a particular challenge in restoring power in the region, prompting calls for trees to be cut back to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

At a meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon municipal district, Cllr Sean McGowan proposed a motion calling on ESB Networks to put in place a programme of works in conjunction with landowners, farmers, forestry companies and other stakeholders, to cut back trees along all power lines.

Cllr McGowan urged the need for a corridor of 50 metres to be established, enabling ESB crews to access power lines within forested areas.

“The ESB crews need some sort of roadway that they can drive their vehicles through because in some cases they were walking long distances to get to the problem.

“We need a law from the Department of Environment or Department of Agriculture so the ESB are given the right to cut those trees so we don’t see instances like that again,” said Cllr McGowan.

Members shared their support for Cllr McGowan’s motion highlighting the seriousness of the issue.

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Cllr Maeve Reynolds commented that society is incredibly dependent on electricity and the issue must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

“The people of Leitrim are witnessing power outages week in and week out with the amount of forestry in the county and it needs to be referred to the energy regulator,” she added.

Cllr Stenson remarked that the issue originated decades ago, when forestry was established without proper planning, adding that such practices couldn’t happen today.

Cllr Guckian urged that the Government must invest proper funds into the ESB to ensure service is ‘delivered everywhere and cheaper.’

Those most affected by power outages were people on dialysis, families with newborns and elderly individuals, remarked Cllr Flynn.

“Not to mention workers who put their lives at risk going through forestry, it’s completely preventable,” he added.

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