What we're doing to help

At Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), we take bird fouling very seriously and will always try to help. We can provide practical advice gained from previous experiences of bird fouling and, wherever possible, offer products that might provide some respite for those customers worst affected.

• Hair brush rollers: on some occasions these can be fitted to overhead lines, although there are controls on their use - usually limited to one third of a span due to weight restrictions for the lines. We are unable to fit rollers where there is a clear risk of passing the bird fouling problem onto a neighbour.  In the limited circumstances where rollers can be fitted there is normally a charge for doing the work.
• Provision of bird distress audio tapes.
• Use of specialist pyrotechnics (flashing lights or specialist fireworks). Not viable in urban areas.
• Placing imitation falcons and owls on poles.

These methods are all experimental and in many cases are not permanent solutions. There may also be costs associated with fitting most of these devices. We may also need to take customers off supply to fit them so that we can work safely on the overhead lines.

We are always monitoring and assessing the potential of new products that might provide a solution. However, any product used must be humane and comply with strict safety, technical and environmental guidelines.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact us.

 Find out more about birds and future planning.