Public lighting concerns continue

County councillors have raised concerns about ongoing public lighting issues, particularly delays in repairing or upgrading lights in key areas.

As part of an update on the Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project (PLEEP), it was noted that while significant progress has been made in converting older lights to LED technology, challenges remain with outdated infrastructure, particularly direct-fed lights and concentric cabling.

At the February meeting of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Tom Farrell highlighted safety concerns in rural areas, saying that one or two lights out in rural towns and villages can mean “half the village is black dark”.

“Lismacaffrey is a perfect example, down around the school at five o’clock in the evening it’s just black dark you can’t see your hand in front of your face and that’s been ongoing for the last six or eight months.

“It’s just frustrating, it’s slow and it takes too much time to get these contractors back out to get these jobs fixed. There has to be some other way of getting this sped up a bit. It’s an actual danger.”

Funding constraints and ESB-related delays were also discussed, and Cllr Aengus O’Rourke criticised the long wait times for new installations to be connected.

“What do we need to do to be able to make sure these can get done? Are we waiting forever at the behest of the ESB or of someone to come out and do this?” he asked.

Cllr Frankie Keena echoed concerns about the condition of older lighting systems, particularly concentric cabling, which he described as “a major issue”.

He questioned the overall cost of upgrading outdated infrastructure to “good health and safety standards for where people can work on the light system,” highlighting the financial burden that places on the council.

Cllr Keena also called for additional funding, pointing out that “there have been vocal calls in relation to the programme for government that they’re going to roll out funding for major infrastructural projects, be it water services or, I’m sure, lighting...”

He urged the council to tap in to any available funding sources to ensure legacy estates and key roads aren’t left behind in the transition to modern, energy-efficient lighting.

Despite the issues, the PLEEP programme has made progress, and LED upgrades are reducing energy costs and carbon emissions.

However, the Westmeath county councillors stressed the need for clear timelines on outstanding repairs, particularly in estates and rural areas where lighting plays a critical role in public safety.