ESB wooden poles on the way out

The ESB is investigating alternative pole materials to wood the Irish Farmers Journal has learned.

5 July 2017

Concrete, fibre glass, laminate and steel are all being examined as alternatives to wood.

ESB Networks said that materials such as concrete, fibre glass, laminate and steel are all being examined as alternatives to wood.

The network’s wooden poles are currently treated with a preservative which can only be used for utility poles under a derogation in place until 2021.

In the meantime, alternatives to wood are being investigated in case the derogation will not be continued.

Research into alternative wood preservatives is also under way.