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12 Dec 2025
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12 Dec 2025
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A Council meeting was told 15 new jobs could be lost because the ESB haven’t connected a new business.
Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins raised the issue at the December meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.
Cllr Mullins said he received a call from a man who wants to start a new business venture in Ballybrittas. “15 jobs immediately with more to come. They have offices in Kildare, they have businesses outside the country,” said Cllr Mullins.
He said the man needs three phase electricity to operate and has paid between €15,000 and €20,000 to the ESB for a connection three months ago.
“He cannot get a connection. Here’s a man that wants to start a business and create jobs. Three months he cannot get basic infrastructure, not only that the ESB won’t even tell him when he will be connected,” said Cllr Mullins.
“You might as well be in Cameroon or somewhere, it is an absolute joke, it is an absolute disgrace,” said Cllr Mullins.
He asked that the Council step in and demand action from the ESB. “These suits are well paid, they should be answerable here. It is a semi State body,” said Cllr Mullins.
“This man will probably pull the plug if he doesn’t get a connection, jobs will be lost” he added.
Independent Cllr Ben Brennan said he was aware of a man who waited three years for an electrical connection. He said Councillors have no contact number for anyone to assist them in the ESB. “We need answers but we are not getting the answers,” said Cllr Brennan.
He said another young man who paid in February for a connection to his house was only connected two weeks ago.
Independent Cllr Aisling Moran said she agreed with her colleagues. “I think the problem is they are actually paid in advance,” said Cllr Moran. She said the ESB needs to hire more staff to deal with the workload.
“You should get your date(Connection) and pay your money three days before they start,” she said.
The issue was discussed at the December meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.
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