ESB Networks reject Laois complaints of 'backlog' to connect streetlights

ESB Networks has rejected claims in Laois that they have a backlog of connections to do for new public streetlights and pedestrian crossings.

Rather than a nine month delay reported at a recent Portlaoise Municipal District meeting, the company has said that they connect lights within 12 weeks, and any further delays are "rarely on our side".

Their response comes after Laois County Council senior engineer Paul McLoughlin said in a meeting that "we have a backlog of public lights and pedestrian lights to be connected by the ESB".

He was speaking to Cllr John Joe Fennelly who tabled a motion asking for a pedestrian crossing in Ballymullen, Abbeyleix, to the December meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

Cllr Fennelly claimed that another new pedestrian crossing at a school in Abbeyleix was waiting for nine months.

"You did a great job at Scoil Mhuire with the new pedestrian crossing. It was installed nine months ago but there are still no flashing lights. It is waiting to be connected. I talked to the ESB and they are hoping to get out, the storm delayed them," Cllr Fennelly said at the meeting.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live asked ESB Networks if there is a backlog, and how long it takes to connect new lights.

A spokesperson gave the following statement.

"ESB Networks commits to completing new connections on receipt of appropriate safety certification and payment within 12 weeks, and we often expedite connections quicker than that.

"Months-long delays are rarely on our side, and can often be as a result of appropriate works and certification on the contractor side not being completed. 

"In the case of the pedestrian lights in Abbeyleix, ESB Networks was scheduled to complete the connection in early December, but this was delayed as crews were deployed to urgent power restoration work to customers elsewhere. ESB Networks completed the connection in mid-December, following a delay on our side of two weeks due to storm impacts on resourcing," the company spokesperson said.