Push for public lighting at Leitrim community centre hits roadblock
Cllr Paddy Farrell called on Leitrim County Council to seek funding for public lighting at the Kiltoghert Community Centre, citing safety concerns at the junction.
Frustrations grew over the lack of funding for public lighting during a meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District.
Cllr Paddy Farrell called on Leitrim County Council to seek funding for public lighting at the Kiltoghert Community Centre, citing safety concerns at the junction.
In response, the Roads department stated, “The District Engineers office does not have funding for new public lights. The local authority has a maintenance budget for existing public lighting stock.”
Disappointed with the reply, Cllr Farrell emphasised the community centre’s high traffic and asked if alternative funding sources were available.
Cllr Enda Stenson echoed this frustration, saying, “I know that funding isn’t readily available for everything but I believe in cases like a vital hub in a rural community, it’s the least we should be able to do with some funding.”
“We’re trying to keep rural communities together and alive but it’s getting more difficult and whatever we should do we should do,” he added.
District engineer Darragh O’Boyle suggested community funding options such as CLÁR and the Town and Village Scheme, offering assistance to applicants.
“Our budgets at the start of the year don’t include for new public lighting,” he explained.
He also noted that a Restoration Improvement Grant is scheduled for the road at Kiltoghert Community Centre in 2025.
Cllr Farrell inquired about the cost of a streetlight, and was informed it would be approximately €3,000 per streetlight, provided an underground electricity supply was available.
Mr O’Boyle further explained that public lighting installations must undergo a planning process and comply with the climate action plan, which wouldn’t be feasible at this location.