Donegal County Council has been urged to ‘wake up and smell the coffee’ on street light maintenance in the county.
Serious concerns have been raised over poor lighting in towns including Bundoran.
Cllr Michael McMahon brought the issue to the council today, saying that it is unsatisfactory that 40 to 50 street lights are out in his town.
He called for further engagement with the company that manages the county’s street lights.
“There is a serious situation regarding health and safety,” Cllr McMahon said.
“We need to wake up here and smell the coffee. If a company takes on the job they need to do it professionally and properly.”
Cllr McMahon said he was worried about potential accidents occurring in poorly lit areas, particularly for older people, people in wheelchairs or people pushing prams.
“It is inadequate and I would like it investigated,” Cllr McMahon said of the county’s lighting standards.
Cllr Niamh Kennedy added that street light replacements have been impacting the aesthetic of some towns, including Ballyshannon, where traditional black columns have been replaced by stainless steel which is “not very appropropriate,” she said.
In response to concerns, A/Director of Service – Roads and Transportation Bryan Cannon said that the operational side of public lighting will be examined this year.
