North Longford households hit by ongoing power outages

Power outages in the North Longford area of Culleenamore area in Mullinalaghta have been causing significant disruptions for local residents.

Up to 50 households have been affected by power outages due to trees damaging power lines.

The issue has been cropping up since November and one local elected representative has raised the issue in the Oireachtas .

Senator Micheál Carrigy said he is aware of this serious issue: “I've been advised by residents in this area that since November 13th they have been subject to an alarming frequency of power faults.

"13th-15th November three days of no electricity, 27 Dec, 30 Dec, 1 January, and 2 January. It seems the root cause of the outages is a Coillte plantation that is awaiting a felling licence by the landowner.”

The ESB has the use of a very broad exemption from the requirement for a felling licence under the Forestry Act, which exempts the requirement for a felling licence in respect of a tree removed by a public authority in the performance of its statutory functions.

ESB also have very broad powers allowing them to take “due care and attention to avoid unnecessary damage, lop or cut any tree, shrub or hedge which obstructs or interferes with any electrical wires”.

Senator Carrigy has been in contact with the ESB and Minister of State Pippa Hackett to get clarification on the ongoing situation: “This is affecting approximately 50 households in the area and I'm calling for immediate felling of trees to make sure that this unacceptable situation is resolved immediately.”

Senator Carrigy has confirmed that he also raised again the ongoing delay of felling licences in the Seanad this week.

Three face trial in connection with alleged Longford shooting incident