An Irish farmer sues ESB for €64K over tree trimming near power lines, citing property damage, while ESB calls it urgent safety work.

Tom O’Shea, a County Kildare landowner, is seeking €64,387 in damages after emergency tree trimming by the ESB near high-voltage lines, citing property harm. The ESB said the work was urgent due to fire and blackout risks, noting O’Shea had previously interfered in 2009. After agreeing not to disrupt the July work, O’Shea claimed his expert valued damages at over €64,000 and requested a delay to protect his Single Farm Payment. The ESB offered €10,000 ex gratia, which he rejected, and said his broader complaints are separate. The case was adjourned to December for further submissions.