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Big power cut caused by farmers spreading slurry

Big power cut caused by farmers spreading slurry

Big power cut caused by farmers spreading slurry

Over two and a half thousand residents in North Fermanagh have been without electricity due to slurry hitting overhead lines. Northern Ireland Electricity have issued safety warnings to farmers and farming contractors after two incidents were reported which resulted in a cut of electricity supplies to homes. .

Local UUP councillor Harold Andrews admitted he was surprised when he heard that electricity supplies had been disrupted, but understood how it could have happened. “Those sludgigators have very powerful pumps on the slurry tank which can blow the slurry 100 metres across the ground. The problem is if you point it up too high you’re going to hit the electrical wires.

“Strictly speaking I’m not sure you’re supposed to use them for environment reasons, but are people are stuck with slurry and have to find some way of getting rid of it.”

NIE provided guidance and support for local farmers and they were encouraged to spread with extreme caution as the good weather approaches. Contact with the electricity wires can be prevented if farmers are more careful when operating in fields.

NIE offered these messages to local farmers:

·         Slurry should not be sprayed as it hits and damages the electricity network in the process.

·         Farmers should be aware of stay wires covered by vegetation or long grass as they can do substantial damage to both machinery and the electric network.

·         Look up, look out and stay well away from overhead lines and electricity equipment.