ESB Tractor Rollover: Landowner Tipped Vehicle to Save Driver
Landowner Accused of Tractor Overturn Amidst ESB Tree Cutting Dispute
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High Court Hears Allegations of Violent Confrontation Over power Line Maintenance
Newbridge,Co. Kildare – A landowner in County Kildare is facing High Court allegations of overturning a tractor with its driver inside during a dispute with ESB contractors over tree cutting. The incident, which allegedly occurred on May 6th, is part of a broader, long-standing conflict regarding access to land for essential power line maintenance.
Escalating Tensions Over Essential Infrastructure
The case, brought before the High Court by the ESB, centers on Tom O’Shea of Stellrose, Wheelam, Milltown, Newbridge. According to sworn statements, Mr. O’Shea has a history of interfering with tree trimming operations on his property,which is traversed by the Cushaling-Newbridge 110kV overhead lines. In 2009, he was previously brought before the High Court for breaching undertakings not to obstruct such work.
On the recent May 6th incident, ESB contractors were on mr. O’Shea’s land under statutory powers to cut back vegetation posing a risk to the power lines. Stephen Mortimer, the ESB’s high voltage and cables central region project leader, stated in a sworn affidavit that Mr. O’Shea arrived at the site and demanded the contractors leave.Mortimer reported that Mr. O’Shea threatened, “I will pull down the line” if they did not depart within an hour.
Allegations of Risky Confrontation and Arrest
Following the initial confrontation, Mr. O’Shea allegedly returned to the site in his own tracked digger. he is accused of using the machinery to tip over a tractor that had a driver inside. Attempts by ESB personnel to disable the digger were reportedly met with resistance, forcing two individuals to retreat with injuries. Mr. O’Shea then allegedly locked his digger and returned home.
gardaí were called to the scene, and mr. O’Shea was subsequently arrested. His licensed firearm was seized by the Garda Armed Support Unit. The two injured parties were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Persistent Obstruction and Legal Action
The ESB claims that Mr. O’Shea’s obstruction has continued. On June 18th, a further attempt to access the land was thwarted when Mr. O’Shea had reportedly locked a gate, preventing entry into the field.
Mr. Mortimer emphasized the necessity of an injunction due to Mr. O’Shea’s “persistent refusal to allow access.” He highlighted 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.
Risk to National Power Supply
The ESB warns that the ongoing interference poses a meaningful threat to the electricity supply for a substantial number of customers. Four power lines traverse Mr. O’Shea’s land, including two 110kV lines serving the greater eastern and midland region, and a 38kV line that supplies approximately 18,000 customers.
The potential consequences of continued obstruction include widespread power outages and a severe impact on the national grid.
Court Proceedings Underway
On Wednesday, Mr. Justice Brian Cregan granted the ESB permission to serve proceedings on Mr. O’Shea following an application made by Stephen Dodd SC, representing the ESB. Given the urgency of the matter, the judge indicated that the case could be brought back before the court as early as Friday.