The Irish regulator Commission for Regulation of Utilities challenged ESB Ireland to improve energy network resilience after a collection of storms caused disruption and damage across the island.
Dermot Casey, an RSK company and current contractor to ESB, was tasked with finding additional resource to undertake this work without compromising critical annual maintenance. Drawing on experience in utility arboriculture from within the RSK Group, Dermot Casey appointed Twig (now part of RSK Countryside Management) to find the resource to manage and deliver the works.
Since September 2025, we have felled or managed 5280 trees and managed 283 high-voltage spans. At any one time, there are up to 36 tree cutters on shift in Ireland, often working through weekends and in all weathers to make the network safe. A further six surveyors support the work, with two in-country supervisors overseeing operations.
The work is specifically targeting trees that have ash dieback, a highly destructive disease of ash trees caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, and trees that are classified as dead, dying or dangerous. Removing and managing affected trees will prevent damage to the energy network, particularly during major weather events, ensuring a reliable energy supply for the island of Ireland.