LED lights blamed as Laois village left 'in complete darkness' in parts
Low energy streetlights in Laois have left parts of a village "in complete darkness".
The new white lights are replacing yellow lights across all of Laois, but they cast less light out.
Cllr Barry Walsh says now more lampposts are needed to compensate, in Ballyroan village.
"Since the new lightbulbs, it seems darker. One side of the street is dark. There are a couple of dangerous corners," he said.
He tabled a motion to the December meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District asking Laois County Council to do a survey of the whole village, saying some parts are "in complete darkness" and "existing lighting is not adequate".
Cllr Willie Aird seconded.
"I am not surprised, when we replaced the bulbs they are weaker, it's like putting in a 40 watt instead of a 100 watt. Portlaoise in areas is very dark, and we are getting it in the neck from people. This new retrofitting makes areas darker," he said.
Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley added that Main Street in Ballyroan is also very wide, so lights are not reaching the other side.
In reply, the roads design office will meet Cllr Walsh on site to discuss the problem locations and identify solutions.