Uproar over lack of light in Tullow as ESB deemed ‘law onto themselves’

A lack of light in Tullow, Co Carlow has been causing uproar among locals.

Eight new lights in the town, that were paid for over four months ago, are connected to electricity but yet to be turned on.

The lack of light is particularly prominent on the Inner Relief Road.

The issue was raised by Independent Councillor Will Paton and Cllr Ben Ward at the recent meeting of Carlow County Council.

”I emphasised that residents feel unsafe and concerned for their safety,” Cllr Will Paton said in a post on Facebook.

He added that the Chief Executive of Carlow County Council promised to make “urgent contact” with the ESB.

Councillor Ben Ward also posted on Facebook to say he raised the issue at the Council meeting.

“I raised the issue of faulty public lighting across the municipal. This is particularly prevalent in Tullow town with lights out across the town and new lighting projects not turned on yet,” he said.

He added that it’s “vitally important” for public safety.

Locals from the town have been posting on Facebook to highlight their concern too.

“Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on in Tullow with the lighting or lack of?” a woman posted in the Tullow Co Carlow group.

Cllr Will Paton responded with a quote from the Council’s Lighting Engineer, which states that the ESB will be contacted in relation to the matter, but that it “may take some time.”

The woman who made the post replied to thank Cllr Paton for the update and requested that he push the ESB.

This forced the local representative to reply stating “Unfortunately ESB Networks are a law onto themselves and they don't respond to pressure.”