Missing heritage lamp posts

It was the case of the missing lamp posts at this month’s meeting of Mountmellick Town Council.

Councillors were querying why Laois County council removed two wrought iron lamp posts from O’Connell Square.

“Who authorised the removal? It doesn’t make sense, we are trying to improve the town, not take lights away. It wouldn’t happen in towns like Abbeyleix. I think it’s disgraceful that Ger O’Mahoney didn’t even know they were being taken away,” said Cllr Rosemary Whelan.

Cllr Paddy Bracken agreed that the lamps should be reinstated as soon as possible.

“That whole section of the street is in darkness. The lights were put there because of the heritage refurbishment of the square,” he said.

There was annoyance expressed that the lamps had been removed without consulting the town council.

“It comes as a terrible surprise that people can stop you in the street to ask, and you wouldn’t have an answer for them. For this to happen, I’m very surprised,” said Cllr Denis O’Meara.

It was agreed to check with Senior Engineer Farhan Naseim as to why the lights were taken away, and when they would be replaced.