Kildare councillor calls for switch to underground power lines following devastation by Storm Éowyn
Undergrounding of power lines is a necessity - Cllr Chris Pender of Newbridge-Kildare MD
Following the widespread damage caused by Storm Éowyn last week, a Kildare-Newbridge councillor said it is clearer than ever that we must take decisive action to modernise the electricity network.
Cllr Chris Pender said that investing in the undergrounding of power lines is no longer just an option—it is a necessity.
Storm Eowyn, which struck with high winds and heavy rainfall, caused significant disruptions across the country. At its peak, more than 200,000 homes and businesses were left without power. In Kildare and other counties, high winds reaching up to 130 km/h, along with fallen trees and debris, brought down numerous overhead power lines, leading to prolonged power outages. People were left without heating, lighting, and even the ability to contact loved ones during the storm, with some areas taking days to restore power.
Cllr Pender of the Social Democrats, said: “Storm Éowyn has made it clear that our current power infrastructure is outdated and vulnerable. Across Kildare and the rest of the country, people were left without power for days. It’s no longer acceptable to rely on a system that fails us during extreme weather. We need to invest in underground power lines to ensure we are prepared for the storms that are only going to become more frequent.”
"The storm has exposed the vulnerabilities of our current electricity infrastructure. Overhead power lines, while once the standard, have proven to be highly susceptible to extreme weather conditions. Storm Eowyn is just one example of how dangerous and disruptive these systems can be when exposed to high winds and severe weather. As we face more frequent and intense storms due to climate change, we must rethink how we approach energy distribution in Ireland.
"Switching to underground power lines offers a far more resilient solution. Unlike overhead cables, underground power lines are less likely to be damaged by storms, fallen trees, or debris. This would dramatically reduce the number of outages caused by extreme weather events, meaning fewer disruptions to homes, businesses, and vital services. Moreover, underground systems require less ongoing maintenance and repairs, which will lower long-term costs for both consumers and the electricity network."