asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that the ESB have informed local authorities throughout the country that they propose to change their agreement with local authorities regarding the provision and maintenance of public lighting and if he was consulted prior to such communication, if he proposes to make financial provision to accommodate the extra cost involved, if he has received in advance an estimate from the ESB of the resulting increase in cost, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Lighting.
27.
The ESB informed me, by letter dated 21 May 1979, that they proposed to increase their charges for maintenance of public lighting. The board indicated that the increases would add approximately 20 per cent overall to the cost of public lighting and would be implemented in two equal stages—one on 1 August 1979 and the second on 1 April 1980.
All relevant factors, including these extra costs, will be taken into account in determining the levels of financial assistance to be made available to local authorities in 1980.