Long awaited lights completed on Main Street in Laois town

Long awaited works to underground cables and install new lights have finally been completed on Main Street in Portarlington. 

The works began in 2021 but were stopped before Christmas as there was concern the work might impact Christmas trade in the town. Work resumed again this summer but paused until the autumn. 

The work was carried out by the ESB and contractors operating on behalf of Laois County Council.  

Cllr Aidan Mullins, who had raised the issue with the council on multiple occasions, said the people of Portarlington were relieved to finally have the work completed. “It’s all looking well and all good now,” he remarked. 

Late last week an ESB spokesperson said: “ESB Networks has completed all works in Portarlington associated with the removal of overhead networks and replacing them with an underground system, as planned.”

“The installation of the public lighting standards and their final connection is the responsibility of Laois Co Co’s public lighting contractor,” they said.

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“ESB Networks will energise the new public lighting system connection points when Laois Co Co’s contractor certifies the work as having been completed – this is a requirement in the interest of contractors and public safety.”

“The project in question has been complex, ESB Networks wishes to thank the multiple business owners who we engaged with throughout for their cooperation,” the ESB spokesperson concluded.