Glynn frustrated over lighting delays
“Long delays” in having new public lighting lit is causing frustration to residents of areas affected – and to Cllr Ken Glynn, who said he is receiving calls “daily” about one particular location, the new pedestrian crossing at Clonmore. At the December meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, he asked that the district introduce measures immediately to prevent long delays between the erection of lights, and the actual switch-on.
Cllr Glynn said the council was deserving of praise for all the work it has done on the new crossing, but pointing out that the crossing had been installed six or eight weeks earlier, he said he couldn’t understand why it should take the ESB to do its portion of the work.
“I think from our point of view, we have done huge work. We’ve made this location, when it’s lit up, way more safe than it was – but we cannot allow another public body to hold us to ransom for the length of time that they have.”
Cllr Andrew Duncan supported Cllr Glynn’s point, adding that it was especially unacceptable given the time of the year, with the dark evenings. The written reply from executive officials stated that the council will continue would the process of early engagement with ESB with a view to minimising delays.
“We are, however, subject to ESB’s requirements around such connections, including timelines, and must await their availability and attendance on site in this regard.”
The response went on to state that Westmeath County Council applies to ESB for electrical connections once all civil works are complete at pedestrian crossings.
“Westmeath County Council staff contact ESB regularly to ensure lights are energised as soon as possible,” it concluded.