Local Public Representative shocked by the decision to allow Christmas trees to be planted close to powerlines

The Forestry Minister is facing further criticism locally over plans to plant Christmas trees close to powerlines. The region, particularly County Leitrim, was devastated earlier this year by Storm Eowyn, leaving thousands of people without power after a vast number of trees fell on electricity wires. Leitrim has been branded the most over forested County in the State and Minister Michael Healy-Raes Christmas tree plans come against the backdrop of major Government plans to upgrade the ESB network. Speaking in the Seanad, Labour Senator Nessa Cosgrove says the Ministers plan flies in the face of any upgrade works: