Frustration mounts over persistent power outages across Leitrim

Power outage issues persist throughout Leitrim, occurring both during storms and in completely normal weather conditions.

At a recent Leitrim County Council meeting, members were informed of multiple power outages in Dromahair, Killargue, and Drumkeeran. 

On the morning of the meeting itself, 55 homes in Drumshanbo were without power.

Cllr Mary Bohan tabled a motion calling on the Council to contact ESB Networks about the “serious issue of ongoing power cuts in various areas of this county.”

READ NEXT: Two-week-long road closure and diversions as Leitrim Bridge receives emergency works

“We can understand the power cuts during the storms but it's very hard to understand it in normal weather conditions,” Cllr Bohan said.

She highlighted the impact on those working from home, noting a specific case where a student experienced two outages while sitting exams online.

“It’s very unfair. I’d like an explanation from ESB as to why this is happening and happening so often in particular areas.

“It’s a huge disruption that shouldn’t be happening in this day and age,” she added.

Cllr Paddy O’Rourke shared an example of a business forced to send staff home for two consecutive days due to outages, with power returning only after work hours.

READ NEXT: Residents feel 'very safe' at Leitrim community hospital - HIQA report

“We desperately need to get this sorted. We have to be ready for the new season of storms,” he said.

Cllr Maeve Reynolds stressed that this is not simply a storm-related issue. “I don’t think we’re any better prepared now going into storm season than we were in January,” she said.

Cllr Prior pointed out that 30 percent of the workforce now works from home. “When there isn’t a satisfactory power supply how will that encourage people to work from home?”

Cllr Bohan’s motion received unanimous support from the Council.