Laois Home Move-In Dates Delayed – Power Issues
Portlaoise Homeowners Face Christmas Move-In Uncertainty Amidst ESB Connection Delays
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Portlaoise,Co Laois – Dozens of families in Portlaoise are facing an uncertain Christmas and the potential collapse of their mortgage agreements due to notable delays in securing electricity connections for their newly built homes. The issue, which affects approximately 80 families, has sparked frustration and calls for urgent intervention from local representatives.
Mounting Frustration for Homeowners
Homeowners, who have been eagerly awaiting the completion of their properties, are now facing the prospect of their move-in dates being pushed back into early 2026. This delay is primarily attributed to capacity issues at the local ESB substation, a situation that has left many in precarious housing situations.One affected homeowner, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed his deep concern. “We recently got news from the builder that it could be by December of 2025 before we can move in. We all know what happens in December so possibly it might very well be January of 2026,” he stated. “If that’s the case, I will have to reapply for my mortgage. if this keeps extending I don’t how many times I’ve to keep applying for mortgages.”
The prolonged wait is not only causing financial strain but also significant personal anxiety. Many homeowners are currently renting, with their tenancy agreements nearing expiration.
Georgina James,another homeowner,highlighted the urgency of the situation. “I’m renting a house in Portlaoise at the moment,but my tenancy agreement is expiring soon so we definitely need clarity on the handover date,” she said.
Jensen Jacob echoed these concerns,facing immediate housing insecurity. “My current landlord is selling my apartment, so it looks like I don’t have any place by the end of this month to live in. Finding a new rental in the short term is also going to be impossible. No one is going to give me a short-term rental.”
beyond the immediate housing crisis, homeowners are also worried about the long-term impact of unheated, unpowered homes. “We can’t put the power on, we can’t put the heating on,” explained the anonymous homeowner. “If it starts raining or snowing come December, how do we keep the house dry? How does the damp stop? How do you keep mould out? We own the house so even if mould comes and stuff like that, that’s absolutely abysmal.”
Political Intervention and Blame Game
Laois-based Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack has taken up the cause, calling for direct intervention from the Minister for Housing, James Browne. Senator McCormack believes the obligation for the delays lies squarely with ESB Networks.
“Things just need to speed up,” Senator McCormack urged. “The red tape needs to be cut and Minister Browne just needs to step in and release whatever funding needs to be released. These transformers need to be put on-site in Portlaoise so these families can get into their houses.”
She further emphasized the lack of culpability on the part of the developers. “Holybrook Developers put in an initial application [for the houses to be connected to the ESB network] on 28 March 2024.They have given plenty of notice and the delay is clearly not on their end.The delay is clearly with the ESB. They are stating capacity issues,but these are 80 families who are locked out of their houses.”
Department of Housing Points to ESB Networks
In response to the growing concerns, the Department of Housing stated that the matter “should be addressed directly to ESB Networks who are responsible for providing connections for new housing.”
The Department also noted that ESB Networks submitted their plans for 2026-2030 to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) late last year, outlining their strategy to meet projected growth in housing, economic activity, electric vehicles, and the electrification of heating.
However, Senator McCormack remains firm in her assertion that ESB Networks is the sole party responsible for the current impasse, citing the ample notice provided by the developers.
ESB Networks’ Response
ESB Networks has acknowledged the situation, stating that they are “actively working to upgrade the substation needed to connect the homes.” The company’s commitment to addressing capacity issues and facilitating new housing connections is under scrutiny as these families await essential services. The outcome of these upgrades and the timeline for resolution remain critical for the affected Portlaoise residents.