CLONES Town Council members angrily criticised the ESB’s failure to respond to Clones customer queries and complaints at this months meeting.
Cllr Deirdre Kelly raised the issue citing an unresolved problem at the Carn Dun, Newtownbutler Road, Clones. Cllr Peter Mulligan said he knew of 8 areas in Clones where lights have not worked for months and no action has been taken by the ESB despite numerous letters and calls by locals.
“It ridiculous to pay a bill and not get the service in return,” Cllr Mulligan said. The FG councillor went on to suggest that the council stops paying its ESB bills until the problems are fixed.
Cllr Peter McAleer said two new street lamps had been out of use for 7 months in Beech Grove as the ESB had not yet connected them. ESB officials had met with the council last year they told members to use a helpline phone number to report all issues in the area and said such problems would be fixed. Cllr McAleer said this meeting had been “pointless”.
Particular concern was highlighted for Largy College students using the Newbliss Road on ever darkening evenings. Cllr Eugene McCaughey said after-school study would soon resume and asked that proper street lighting be maintained on the road to ensure safety for students walking the road. Town Engineer John McKernan said he had contacted the ESB about this roadway but no action had been taken.
Cllr Ross Mealiff proposed that the Mayor, Niall Quigley, send a letter to ESB Operations Director outlining all ESB problems in the town. If there is no response within 7 days, a public meeting with ESB officials will be called. Cllr Pat Treanor also asked that the letter warn that the council will withhold payment if these problems are not resolved.