The ESB gave notice to the Department under the Electricity Acts in January 1992 of their intention to erect a high tension cable from Inishnakillew, via Moneybeg, serving Clynish Island, County Mayo.
The section of the overhead line over the main navigable channel between Moneybeg and Clynish islands was subsequently replaced with an under water cable in line with the Department's advice and following representations from local interested parties. The fatal accident on 21 August occurred outside the main navigable channel between Moneybeg and Inishnakillew.
A report by the Marine Survey Office into the accident recommended the immediate erection of warning signs at the location. This has been acted upon by the ESB. The report also recommended an urgent review of safety standards and hazard warning procedures of overhead powerlines in the vicinity of all waterways and to offshore islands. A comprehensive review of all the relevant issues is currently being finalised by a joint working group of the Department, the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications and the ESB.