Investment in Tipperary's public lighting welcomed, but maintenance times remain an issue

Public representative for Thurles Sinn Féin, Dan Harty, has welcomed the recent allocation by Transport Infrastructure Ireland of €50million to the the National Public Lighting Energy Project (PLEEP).

However, he also called for action on some outstanding issues in Thurles town and the surrounds.

“Although upgrade works are very welcome, there are still some issues around maintenance in Thurles.

“A number of lamps have been reported faulty as far back as January and February of this year. There are a number of areas in Thurles where a cluster of two, three or four lamps are out along the same road. This represents a public safety concern, and I am calling for maintenance works to be completed immediately.

"It’s very welcome that an upgrade is going ahead, but this must not be at the expense of maintenance of the current network. A cluster of lamps along the railway bridge that includes the Bohernanave junction and, also outside Thurles Rugby Club, Peake Villa and the entrance to Dun Lia estate are not working.

“There is a serious public safety concern at these points, and I have reported them to the council for immediate attention.”
He also welcomed the survey of the current lighting infrastructure, with crews currently on site in Thurles.

“When the project is completed, an upgrade of the entire Tipperary County Council public lighting system to an LED system can be expected in the years ahead.

Commenting of the upgrade Mr Harty said:

“About half of all the energy used by local authorities is for public lighting and KLS, who will carry the out the upgrade works, estimate that when the LED system is fully installed there will be a 55% reduction in energy and maintenance costs.

“This saving is due to be in the region of €12m annually, representing a very welcome boost to the council budget.

“In my opinion, the annual saving on public lighting should be invested and used to help tackle the housing crisis.

“It represents a real opportunity for the local authority to take the lead on delivering social and affordable housing across Tipperary.”

“Also, with consumers hit with carbon taxes at the pumps again after the recent budget, it is important that state bodies, including local authorities take the lead on reducing emissions”.