Deputy Smith calls for a 'co-ordinated approach' to tackle power outages

Deputy Brendan Smith (FF) has called for a co-ordinated approach to be taken to deal with power outages.

The Cavan-Monaghan TD said that fallen trees can cause serious problems and damage to ESB transmission lines.

Deputy Smith held a meeting with his party colleague Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue on Wednesday to raise the matter along with Fianna Fáil Sligo-Leitrim TD Eamon Scanlon.

“Recent power outages in Cavan, Leitrim and parts of Sligo have caused considerable difficulties for both locals and authorities,” said Deputy Smith.

“Some forests are not being maintained to an acceptable standard and as a result trees are falling and knocking out the power lines. Historic delays by the Department of Agriculture in the issuing of felling licences is also a contributory factor.

“The Department of Agriculture must take a lead role and ensure that all forestry plantations, both public and private, are maintained to proper standards.

He said "it is not just the Department of Agriculture that has a role to play" and called for "a co-ordinated approach" by all government agencies including ESB, Coillte and local authorities.

"Private plantation owners also have a responsibility. It is not acceptable that large rural areas are year-in-year-out experiencing power outages.

“It is causing absolute and unacceptable inconvenience to households, farms, businesses, schools and community facilities.

"We must act now to try to limit future loss of power and prevent such hardship and costs on families."

“I have outlined the seriousness of the situation to my party colleague Minister Charlie McConalogue and I’m calling on him to ensure that a robust inspection system of forests is implemented in a bid to limit power outages. I reiterate that all statutory agencies must work together to deal with this issue.”