A landowner in County Kildare is accused of overturning a tractor with its driver inside, in a dramatic escalation of a dispute over tree cutting to prevent power outages. The incident allegedly occurred when ESB contractors attempted to trim trees on land owned by Tom O’Shea,of Stellrose,Wheelam,Milltown,Newbridge,Co Kildare.
This is not the first time Mr. O’Shea has clashed with ESB contractors. He previously interfered with tree trimming efforts in 2009 and was afterward brought before the high Court for breaching undertakings not to do so.
On May 6th of this year, ESB personnel arrived at Mr. O’Shea’s land,where the Cushaling-newbridge 110kV overhead lines run,to commence necessary tree cutting. This action was taken under statutory powers allowing ESB access to lands with such lines, and Mr. O’Shea had been notified.
According to a sworn statement filed in court by Stephen Mortimer, high voltage and cables central region project leader, Mr.O’Shea arrived later that morning and demanded the contractors leave. mr.Mortimer stated that Mr. O’Shea threatened, “I will pull down the line” if they did not depart within an hour.
Mr. O’Shea then reportedly returned to his farmyard, retrieved his own tracked digger, and used it to tip over the tractor with the driver still inside. Attempts by contractors to disable the digger were unsuccessful as Mr. O’shea resisted, leading to two injured parties retreating.Mr. O’Shea then secured his digger and returned home.
Gardaí were called to the scene and subsequently arrested Mr. O’Shea. His licensed firearm was seized by the Garda Armed Support Unit.The two injured individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment.
Further attempts by the ESB to access the land were made. On June 18th,Mr. O’Shea had reportedly locked a gate leading into the field, effectively blocking access.
Mr. Mortimer emphasized the need for an injunction due to Mr. O’Shea’s continued refusal to grant access. He explained that the tree cutting works are crucial for ensuring the safety of individuals on the land and for carrying out critical maintenance planned for the current season.
the land hosts four power lines, and interference with these lines poses a significant risk of supply disruption to a large number of customers. Two 110kV lines serve the greater eastern and midland regions, while another 38kV line supplies approximately 18,000 customers.
The potential consequences include widespread power outages and a severe impact on the national grid.
On Wednesday, mr. Justice Brian Cregan granted permission for proceedings to be served on Mr. O’Shea, following a hearing where only one side was represented.
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