Power outage causes chaos
MAJOR DISRUPTIONS AS ESB POLE CATCHES FIRE IN GOREY TOWN
AN ESB pole that caught fire on Tuesday afternoon resulted in major disruptions in Gorey town.
The explosive fire at the ESB pole on the Arklow Road left large parts of Gorey town in darkness for four days and businesses were left without electricity for hours, resulting in many of them shutting up shop for the day.
Neville Shaw, district engineer for Gorey Municipal District, said Killaree Lighting Services were able to get the lights back into operation on Friday afternoon, but unfortunately they had to have the lights on full time due to issues with the ESB switching regime for the public lights.
‘We are liaising with the ESB on the matter and hope to have a final solution to the problem today (Monday),’ added Mr Shaw.
More than 10 businesses along Esmonde Street and Arklow Road were left without electricity for approximately five hours on Tuesday, with some having to send their staff home and close for the afternoon.
Maurice Hughes of Coach House was without electricity as well, which had a major impact on him.
‘We had to shut down because one we could not cook and two insurance reasons,’ said Maurice. ‘These things happen, not much you can do.’
Claire O’Connell of Gaslamp Gallery on Esmonde Street said these things happen and is just happy no one was hurt.
‘I sent the staff home, it would have a slight impact during this time of year but I am glad nothing serious happened to anymore,’ said Claire.
It is not yet known what caused the fire at the pole, but Gorey Fire Service were called to the scene shortly after 1 p.m. on Tuesday to put it out. Gorey Gardaí diverted traffic until it was safe for cars to pass by. The diversions caused major bumper to bumper traffic in the town for a few hours.