LIMERICK City and County Council were this week asked to shine a light on why some housing estates are without street lights, some of them for years, despite residents paying their Local Property Tax (LPT).
During a briefing on the protocol for Taking in Charge of private residential estates, the council executive were told of how some estates are “in limbo”.
Fine Gael councillor Tom Ruddle claimed there are estates in Newcastle West with no lighting.
“It’s bloody dangerous.
“Can ye replace the lighting? Are ye not looking after lighting for estates that aren’t taken in charge?” he asked.
“The lights are all bloody gone. It is dangerous at night. The Council are going down a very dangerous road here. You are taking a huge risk with people’s lives”
Cllr Ruddle warned the executive that they would see a demonstration of angry residents in the Dooradoyle council chamber one of the days if something isn’t done.
Cllr Stephen Keary (FG) spoke in support of Cllr Ruddle’s comments.
“You collect Local Property Tax. Replace the lights. Full stop,” Cllr Keary insisted.
Cllr Dan McSweeney (FG) took the view that a clear timeline needs to be put in place for taking in charge estates.
“The key issue is early engagement with developers,” he said.
Independent councillor Jerome Scanlan said that the lack of street lighting in one West Limerick estate is an issue that has been ongoing for 11 years.
“The residents in these estates pay property tax, so then we should provide lighting.”
Senior Planner Nuala O’Connell said the Council would take on board the issue of street lighting and see how they could progress it on a case-by-case basis.
