Tag Archives: ESB

CERREJÓN mine in north-eastern Colombia is a fifth of the size of Clare but supplies the majority (approximately 90%) of the coal for Moneypoint power station, Ireland’s largest energy generation station and greenhouse gas emitter. The coal sourced from this area is tainted by the abuses suffered by the local people who endure threats, intimidation, police brutality, forced displacement and human rights abuses. Their indigenous lands and homes have been destroyed to make way for this colossus of a mine that continues to expand and leaves a trail of human suffering in its wake. The Irish Government, through the ESB, has purchased 11.2 million tonnes of coal from Colombia in the last seven years, most of which is from Cerrejón and continues to do so, all while well-documented cases of wrongdoing by the mine are available from various NGOs. Under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the ESB and Ireland have a responsibility “for human rights impacts …

During this spell of fine weather, ESB is reminding the general public of the dangers and potential serious consequences of swimming in any ESB reservoir. This is due to the risk of uneven ground, deep waters, changing water levels and fast-flowing waters. These waters include the reservoirs at the Ardnacrusha headrace and tailrace canal, in South East Clare, Poulaphoca and Golden Falls in Wicklow, Leixlip in Kildare, Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid in Cork and Dunlewey Lough, Assaroe and Lough Nacung in County Donegal.

THOUSANDS of Clare homes have been left without electricity due to Hurricane Ophelia and it may be several days before some people have it restored. According to the ESB Networks in the region of 4,000 customers in Cranny, Miltown, Drumquin, Ennistymon, Kilrush, Ennis, Shannon, Cratloe, Tulla, and Scariff as well as their surrounds have been left without power. In a statement ESB Networks warned that many people will not have their electricity restored for some time. “As of 4:30 pm, approximately 360,000 electricity customers are without power as a result of over 3,200 individual faults on the network across the country. Fallen trees on overhead lines are responsible for most of the damage to the network. “The majority of customers who have lost supply at present will be without power tonight and over a number of days. Based on previous experience of Storm Darwin in 2014, where about 280,000 customers were left without supply, we can predict that it will …

With a massive increase in domestic electricity use over Christmas, together with the risk of fallen wires in winter conditions, ESB Networks has advised people to be safety conscious. “In the home make sure your own electrical system is safe. Check that your safety trip switch – called a Residual Current Device (RCD) – works by pushing the test button and that there are no damaged plug tops or frayed wires. If in any doubt, get in touch with a registered electrician. When it comes to the overhead wires and poles that ESB Networks uses to supply electricity to everyone, remember that these poles and wires are live and dangerous and should never to be used for anything else. Here are a few simple safety tips from ESB Networks for the home around Christmas time,” a spokesman said. While the weather during winter 2016 has so far been relatively benign, ESB Networks are reminding people to never approach or touch …

THEN There Was Light, a radio documentary and a book, is a project that has been initiated by the ESB to mark the 70 years since the commencement of the Rural Electrification Scheme. The book promises to be a unique collection of stories by people recalling their memories and experiences of the Rural Electrification Scheme and will provide a valuable snapshot of the time Ireland left the dark ages by allowing power and light into the midst of even the most remote communities. The stories for the collection and radio programme are expected to provide a frank insight into the suspicions, worries and welcome the ESB’s light brigade faced as they began work on one of the most important undertakings in recent Irish history. The stories encapsulate and preserve the approach of a previous generation as it came to terms with the prospect of rapidly changing rural lifestyles. The collection and editing for the book and documentary is being undertaken by authors and editors …

Over 1,500 homes and businesses are currently affected by a power outage in Ennis. The fault occurred shortly before 4pm this afternoon and is affecting supply to home and businesses on the Tulla and Gort Roads, as well as in Francis Street and other nearby areas. ESB  crews are working to resolve the issue and expect to have power restored to all premises later this evening.

The Ardnacrusha headrace and tailrace canal in South East Clare are among a list of places that have been named as possible dangerous swimming locations. With the recent improved weather and summer approaching, the ESB has issued a reminder to the general public of the dangers and potential serious consequences of swimming in any ESB reservoir. This is due to the risk of uneven ground, deep waters, changing water levels and fast-flowing waters. In additin to Ardnacrusha, these waters include the reservoirs at Poulaphoca and Golden Falls in Wicklow, Leixlip in Kildare, Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid in Cork, and Assaroe and Lough NaCung in County Donegal.

Over 2,000 homes and businesses were left without power after Storm Jake ripped through the county overnight and into early today (Wednesday). Wind gusts exceeding 110kmh and a series of severe thunderstorms affected the county as a result of Storm Jake and Kilmaley and Miltown Malbay were among the worst affected areas, with almost 1,000 properties left without electricity. ESB Networks said it expected power to be restored to all locations by this evening. Outages were also reported in Bellbharbour, Cofirin, Cratloe, Lissycasey, Kilshanny, Inagh, Quilty and Coore.