Utility provider taken to task on Leitrim infrastructure issues

The issue of loose eir infrastructure was raised at this week's meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District.

Cllr Gary Prior (FF) tabled a motion, calling for action against providers of the infrastructure.

He told the meeting that in the event of storms this winter, the loose infrastructure could “cause a lot of harm.”

In his motion, Cllr Prior asked that Leitrim County Council, “liaise with the relevant utility and telecommunications providers to address concerns regarding leaning poles, loose cables hanging from poles and cables lying on the ground, particularly in the Ballinamore and Aughnasheelin areas.”

“These issues are causing concern for residents and could present a safety risk to pedestrians, motorists, cyclists and landowners. I ask that a review of the affected areas be carried out and that the releveant providers be contacted to ensure damaged or leaning poles are made safe and any loose or fallen cables are secured or removed as soon as possible,” the motion added.

Speaking on his motion, Cllr Prior said that “on nearly every back road there are cables and wires.”

“The attitude with eir is that it is not my job, but someone else's to deal with these issues,” he added.

The motion met with wide support from the members. Cllr Paddy Farrell (FF) said that, “near where we are sitting here, there is a piece of rope holding two poles.”

“A pole lodged in a drain near the GAA pitch in Drumreilly. The hazard that this caused was crazy,” Cllr Farrell added.

He went on to to say that “this industry is making a large profit.”

Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn (FG) told the meeting that in certain places, “you could put your hand in and pull poles out. There is no common sense involved.”

Cllr Enda McGloin (FG) told the meeting that he previously went on Ocean FM about this problem with infrastructure and “somebody in eir took issue with me for this.”

Cathaoirleach Brendan Barry stated that eir “should be removing material.”

“Gardai logged with eir in relation to loose cables. It was three days before eir came out. They cut cable and left it there,” he explained.

“In Drumshanbo, some years back, cable was cut and was then stolen,” Cllr Barry added.

On behalf of the council, Director of Services, David Minton, told the meeting that, “this is beyond the scope of the Municipal District. Perhaps eir could be invited in to do an audit of assets in the county.”

A written reply from the council stated, “The cables and poles are the responsibility of the relevant utility providers. Leitrim County Council will assess the affected areas and write to eir requesting that the necessary remedial works be carried out to address any part of their infrastructure that interferes with the road users safety.”