ESB called on to explain service

ESB Networks representatives are being invited to outline their plans for upgrading the electricity supply witin the county, following a motion by Cllr Jim Moore.

Cllr Moore called on his councillors to support his motion requesting the state body to provide details and a presentation to the local authority to confirm their development and upgrade plans for the network, saying this would assist the council to achieving itrs economic and infrastructure plans for the county.

‘I live in an area where 20 years ago we couldn’t keep the lights on and I see the same problems here ago over the past two to three years. How much investment has there been by ESB Networks or whatever organisation develops infrastructure in our local area.’

Cllr Moore said there have been outages which lasted up to five days, including during Storm Ophelia. ‘Besides that we have had a number of other problems maintaining supply in south east Wexford. If we can’t maintain the busineses an communities with a guaranteed supply of electricity at the moment, where are we going to be in five years time.’

CEO Tom Enright said there is a problem with electricity supply, stressing the importance for job creation and industry of having a guaranteed elecricity supply.

Cllr Moore said it took four days for Welsh electrical crews to arrive in the county to assist in getting power back during the storm.

Cllr Michael Sheehan said the exact same argument could be made in relation to broadband. Mr Enright said: ‘This is a very important issue. Security of electricity supply is a major concern to all companies and investors. We can ask them about what their plans are to improve electricity supply and improve back-up supplies in areas which were particulalry affected by the storm.’

The motion was passed.