Over 1000 homes and businesses near Ahoghill were left without electricity supplies on Saturday afternoon after a farmer cutting silage brought down overhead lines.

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, has today issued a safety appeal to farmers and agricultural contractors across Northern Ireland to be aware of overhead electricity lines and poles around their farms, and to plan their work safely when using heavy plant machinery near the network.

The damage occurred at 12.35pm and NIE emergency crews responded immediately, assessing the damage to the overhead network and starting repairs. Groups of customers were restored to power throughout the afternoon with final customers restored at 5.30pm after the line had been restrung and safety checks completed.

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Christine Kelly, NIE Customer Relations Manager for the area, says a few simple precautions can prevent any damage to the network and reduce risk of injury. "We appreciate that the upcoming months will be a busy time for farmers and agricultural contractors with silage cutting, slurry spreading and hay season. We would urge anyone operating machinery, especially harvesting machinery and trailers, to ensure adequate clearance around overhead lines.

"Vehicles and equipment don’t have to touch lines to become live, electricity can jump gaps and they can remain live at dangerously high voltages until NIE emergency crews carry out a safety isolation. If you do make contact with any electricity equipment, stay in your vehicle, keep others away and contact NIE immediately on 08457 643 643. Careful planning and safe working practices will reduce the risk to those on site and lessen the inconvenience to homes and businesses in the nearby area."

(CD/MH)