Growing Concerns Over Public Lighting Standards in Waterford City and County

Concerns Grow Over Public Lighting Standards in Waterford City and County

Frustration is mounting among local representatives over the state of public lighting across Waterford, with rural areas in West Waterford described as being "left in darkness." At a recent council meeting, councillors voiced their concerns, highlighting long-standing issues and calling for swift action.

Fine Gael Councillor Damien Geoghegan has requested a detailed report to outline the status of non-functioning lights, distinguishing between simple fixes like bulb replacements and more complex issues requiring underground cabling work. "The reporting mechanism is quite good, but many lights have been out for months on end," Geoghegan said. "This report would help us understand the scale of the problem and prioritize solutions."

Geoghegan, along with Independent Councillor Joe O’Riordan, also drew attention to inadequate lighting in Dungarvan’s Grattan Square, particularly during the busy Christmas period. "It’s like Russian roulette for pedestrians walking across the square. The poor lighting poses a real safety risk," O’Riordan remarked.

The issue extends beyond urban centers. Fine Gael Councillor Niamh O’Donovan pointed out that rural areas are suffering from prolonged neglect. "There are 58 lights out in Lismore alone, with similar problems in Villierstown, Ballyduff, and other villages," she said. "We’re at the bottom of the list when it comes to addressing these issues."

Labour Councillor Thomas Phelan raised concerns about Richard A. Walsh Street in Dungarvan, a busy area near a cinema and hotel. "The street has been in darkness for months, and it’s imperative that it’s lit properly for public safety," Phelan emphasized.

Sinn Féin Councillor Donnchadh Mulcahy highlighted long-standing lighting problems on Lismore Bridge, which have persisted for over three months. "During events like Santa on the Strand, the lack of lighting became a health and safety concern. This needs urgent attention," Mulcahy said.

Council Response

In response, Waterford City and County Council outlined ongoing efforts to address the issue through the Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project (PLEEP). The initiative, funded by the Department of Environment’s Climate Action Fund, aims to retrofit 10,000 public lights across the city and county with LED technology. The project, which began in August 2023, is expected to be substantially completed by August 2024.

"Replacing traditional lights with LED luminaires will reduce energy consumption by 50% and cut CO2 emissions by 786 tonnes annually," said Fergus Gleeson, Director of Services. "This aligns with our goal to establish Waterford as a decarbonization zone by 2040."

However, the council acknowledged challenges, particularly with aging underground infrastructure. Concentric cabling, which no longer meets current electrical standards, is prone to faults and often requires lengthy repairs. "While we aim to keep non-functional lights below 2%, some repairs can take over three months due to site-specific complexities and contractor availability," the council stated.

Residents are encouraged to report lighting faults via the Deadsure app or the council’s website to ensure issues are logged and addressed promptly.

As the retrofitting program progresses, the council remains committed to enhancing public safety and reducing energy consumption. However, the immediate concerns of residents and councillors highlight the urgent need for faster, more effective solutions to the ongoing lighting crisis.

the growing concerns⁣ over ‌public lighting standards in Waterford City and County underscore a pressing need for immediate attention and action. From urban centers like Dungarvan’s ‌Grattan Square to rural areas such as ⁣Lismore, the lack of adequate lighting is not ⁢just an inconvenience but a significant safety hazard for residents and visitors ⁢alike. The​ calls from councillors like Damien geoghegan, Joe O’Riordan, and ⁤Niamh O’donovan for a detailed report and ⁣prioritization of repairs⁣ highlight the ‍urgency of addressing these ⁤issues comprehensively. As Waterford continues to strive for​ balanced development and improved quality ‍of life for all ‍its communities, resolving these lighting deficiencies must be a top priority. Swift, targeted action will ensure that both urban and ⁤rural‌ areas are no ⁣longer left in the dark,⁤ fostering safer, more inclusive public spaces for everyone.
Public Lighting Infrastructure Improvement Program. A spokesperson acknowledged the concerns raised by councillors and emphasized that the council is committed to resolving the lighting deficiencies across both urban and rural areas. “We are currently conducting a comprehensive audit of non-functioning lights to identify the root causes and prioritize repairs,” the spokesperson stated.”While some issues can be resolved with straightforward solutions like bulb replacements, others require more extensive work, such as underground cabling repairs, which take time and resources.”

The council also highlighted the challenges posed by the sheer scale of the problem, particularly in rural areas, where infrastructure maintenance frequently enough competes with other pressing priorities. “We understand the frustration of residents and representatives alike, and we are working diligently to ensure that all areas, irrespective of their location, receive the attention they deserve,” the spokesperson added.

However, local councillors remain adamant that more must be done to expedite the process. Councillor damien Geoghegan reiterated the need for transparency and accountability, stating, “The report we’ve requested will provide a clear picture of the situation and help us allocate resources effectively. We cannot allow these issues to persist indefinitely.”

The concerns over public lighting in Waterford City and County are more than just an inconvenience—they are a matter of public safety and community well-being. As the council continues its efforts to address the problem, collaboration between local representatives and the council will be crucial to ensure that no area is left in darkness. Swift and decisive action is needed to restore trust, enhance safety, and illuminate the pathways for all residents. The coming months will be a critical test of the council’s commitment to resolving this longstanding issue and ensuring equitable service delivery across the region.