ESB Networks and Coillte have collaborated on a new electrical safety learning module for forestry contractors.

This e-learning module will cover the key risks and controls to be followed in forestry settings where electricity infrastructure is nearby. The module will raise awareness and ensure at-risk stakeholders are fully informed of the risk and controls to be put in place when carrying out activities near overhead and underground powerlines. These activities include the harvesting of trees, planting of trees and development of roads in forestry sites.

The initiative will be rolled out to all forestry contractors working on Coillte sites across the country to improve the safety of personnel working near overhead and underground powerlines. The programme represents a new and innovative approach, easily accessible to contractors, which has been developed by both organisations.

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Michael Murray, ESB Networks Public Safety Manager, said: "At ESB Networks, we're delivering the electricity network for everyone's clean electric future, and providing a safe and secure electricity infrastructure is our number one priority. Electricity powers our daily lives but if not treated with the respect it deserves it can cause serious injury or worse so it is essential to be aware of the potential dangers. This is why it is so important to ensure members of the public and those who work near our infrastructure are safe, at all times. I am delighted to be here today for the launch of this e-learning programme with our partner, Coillte, and feel this can make a real difference in educating timber harvesting contractors to help them be more safe every day they go to work."

Director of Forest Operations, Eamonn Kenny at Coillte, stated: "The health and safety of our staff and contractors is our number one priority at Coillte and I am delighted to see the development of this new e-learning module. The module is easily accessible for contractors and will help raise awareness and reduce risks for contractors and staff working near electricity infrastructure."

Coillte and ESB joined forces in November 2021 to launch their joint venture company FuturEnergy Ireland which aims to develop more than 1GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and make a significant contribution to Ireland's commitment to produce 80 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade.