Removal of forestry trees in Leitrim causing power cuts
The felling of forestry trees close to overhead power lines is causing power cuts regularly to residents around Aghacashel.
Independent Cllr Gerry Dolan said that foresters should first carry out an audit of the site regarding power lines and fell around these first.
“At present, power is being cut off and on during the whole timeline of felling. This is causing major disruption to the area where it is being done, as is currently happening in Aghacashel."
He said that for over six weeks there have been power cuts in the community, with some households without electricity for over 12 hours at a time.
The councillor said this brings great hardship to the elderly, people with young children and those fighting illness and in need of oxygen pumps etc.
A spokesperson for Leitrim County Council said they do not grant felling licences but do make observations.
“Any tree felling licence granted by the Department would include stringent health and safety requirements.
“The forestry activity is not under the local authority charge, however, the use of the public infrastructure by forestry company's are monitored by local authorities.”
Ballinamore area councillors supported the motion saying that what is happening at the moment and the disruption to people's lives is “unacceptable” behaviour by the forestry owners.