Sinn Féin spokesperson for agriculture Deputy Martin Kenny and Deputy Claire Kerrane will introduce the forestry (critical infrastructure) (amendment) bill 2026 next Tuesday, which could see an end to trees being planted too close to power lines.

The bill to amend the Forestry Act 2014 aims to establish minimum corridor widths for specific categories of critical infrastructure including water mains, gas lines and electricity lines.

Trees falling on power lines has become a common occurrence in recent years, with storms causing several electricity outages across Ireland.

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Storms

“We all remember storm Éowyn and the havoc it caused across the country, with many households having to go without electricity and water for weeks. Roads were blocked with fallen trees and people were cut off for days,” Deputy Kenny stated.

“The biggest issue that ESB faced in restoring electricity was forestry where trees had fallen on power lines and the corridors for power lines were blocked for days. The corridors had to be cleared before any repairs could be done.

“Government promised to introduce legislation in relation to this and have failed to produce anything to date.

“The bill aims to establish minimum corridor widths for specified categories of critical infrastructure as currently outlined under the forestry standards manual.

“This bill also includes an increase for the minimum centre-width corridor for power lines with a capacity of 10kV and 38kV from 20 metres to 55 metres,” he explained.

End the cycle

“We are introducing this bill to once and for all end the cycle of trees falling on ESB wires, causing power outages to householders happening with almost every storm,” Deputy Kerrane outlined.

“If we do not have adequate setback distances that are set out and enforced, households will continue to suffer power outages – that is not acceptable.”