This article is from page 18 of the 2006-11-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
THE ESB has warned of the “serious safety implications” from acts of vandalism on its overhead electricity network, following two attacks on an ESB transformer in Ennis.
These attacks rresulted in an engineer being hospitalised and homes and businesses being evacuated.
In the first of two incidents in recent weeks, an ESB Networks engineer was injured while helping to evacuate the area around a transformer that had been vandalised.
He suffered severe burns and was treated in hospital for two days.
A chain was thrown onto the equipment resulting in a small explosion and fire.
Several homes and businesses were left without power for several hours.
Two units of the fire brigade, an ambulance and gardaí attended that incident at Ashline on the Kilrush Road.
“There would have been a flash and sparks when the vandalism took place.
“A member of ESB Networks staff was hospitalised while helping in the evacuation and making the scene safe.
“He was detained in hospital for 48 hours before being allowed home,” a company spokesman said.
Vandals struck again at the same location last Monday, but no one was injured in that incident.
The same transformer caught fire when a steel chain was thrown onto it.
Emergency services again responded quickly and made the area safe.
The ESB has warned that those carrying out the vandalism risk serious injury and possible death, as well as compromising the safety of people living in the area as electricity is being brought to earth in an uncontrolled environment.
“We have passed the matter over to the Gardaí who are investigating. The matter of prosecution is one for the Garda as the matter has now been passed to them,” the company added.
One local businessman said, “The first day it happened, we were all told to leave the area and move onto the road, but away from where the transformer was. It is lucky no one was killed. When it happened the second time, we couldn’t believe it. The guards know who did this and hopefully they will take action.”