Upgrading street lights to cost €7.7 million
WICKLOW County Council is set to borrow over €7.7 million to fund an upgrade of the county’s street lights.
Councillors agreed at their March meeting to take part in the Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project, which will see LEDs installed in the county’s street lights.
Cllr Irene Winters (FG) stated the installation of LEDs would improve energy efficiency and contribute to reducing emissions.
Cllr Tom Fortune (Ind) asked if there was an intention to roll out 5G in tandem with this project.
He said he was working with a local group in Greystones who had concerns about the issue.
Colm Lavery, Director of Services Transportation, Water and Emergency Services, said the LED upgrade was to replace street lights and had no connection with broadband.
Cllr Lourda Scott (Green) queried if the change would allow for in-pole electric vehicle charging.
Mr Lavery said it hadn’t been discussed at meetings. A request could be made to Kilkenny County Council as the lead authority on the project to include this in the tender.
Cllr Grace McManus (SF) asked why four counties were not participating in the project.
Mr Lavery said they had decided to provide with the replacement of street lights themselves.
Cllr Gail Dunne (FF) proposed the motion, which was seconded by Cllr Pat Fitzgerald (FF) that Wicklow County Council enter into an agreement with Kilkenny County Council to carry out the Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project.
The motion was agreed by all councillors present.
Cllr Pat Fitzgerald (FF) proposed the motion, which was seconded by Cllr Paul O’Brien (Lab) that subject to the approval of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government to sanction the borrowing of €7.7 million for the Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project.
The motion was agreed by all councillors present.