Tipperary County Council ‘not happy’ with public light maintenance

Director of Roads at Tipperary County Council, Marcus O’Connor has said he is not happy with the rate of public light repairs.

He told elected members at this week’s budget meeting that the contractor is required to keep the number of lights out under 1%. However, currently 2% of lights are in need of repair in the county.

“We are not happy with the situation right now,”said Mr O’Connor.

Mr O’Connor said that they spoke with the contractor, and extra crews have been deployed.

However, he said that more lights may be out at the moment because of the broadband works across the county.

The issue of lights has been raised at both last month’s plenary meeting and district sitting across the county.

Issues revolve around the number of lights not working and the time it is asking to have them repaired.

Several councillors raised concerns again at last week’s budget meeting.

Cllr Annemarie Ryan asked if the contractor was meeting their obligations.

Cllr Tony Black said that in Tipperary Town, there are lights out for a year and called for “accountability.”

“Are we getting proper service? I firmly believe we are not, and there would be few who disagree with me,” said Cllr Black.

Cllr John Crosse said that poles had been replaced but the lights.

“The ESB should hang their heads in shame, said Cllr Crosse.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Darcy said:

“A lot of us are frustrated at the moment.”