Major ESB warning over 'serious safety risk' posed by presidential posters on poles

ESB Networks has issued an urgent safety reminder to all groups ahead of the upcoming Irish Presidential Election. 

The company has warned that the erection of candidate posters on electricity poles is strictly prohibited. This is because it poses a "serious safety risk" to members of the public as well as ESB Networks staff and contractors.   

They say hazardous situations have been created in the past by people putting posters on live electricity poles and infrastructure. Attaching anything to these electricity poles exposes individuals to the risk of electric shock, burns and falling from a height.

ESB Networks’ wires and equipment are always live and posters attached to poles have previously caused fires and falls. 

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Weather conditions, such as heavy rain and winds, can cause the posters to become detached and in turn, could potentially make contact with live electrical wires. The removal of posters from electricity poles can also pose significant safety risks to ESB Networks staff, which can result in severe injuries.  

Speaking ahead of the upcoming election Claire Mulholland, ESB Networks Public Safety Manager, said: “ESB Networks advise members of the public to always stay safe and stay clear of electricity poles and wires. It is never safe to interfere with electricity equipment.  We have been required in the past to interrupt the electricity supply to households and businesses to safely remove posters. In the interest of safety, we remind all groups it is prohibited to erect candidate posters on electricity poles." 

You should always stay safe and stay clear of electricity wires and cables as these are always live and potentially dangerous.

If you see a dangerous situation or in the event of an emergency involving the electricity network, please contact ESB Networks on their 24/7 emergency phone number: 1800 372 999.