Unfinished Housing Developments

Thursday, 13 March 2014

Questions (140)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

140. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Electric Ireland cut off, or threatened to cut off, the power to the public lighting system in three estates in County Kildare where moneys were outstanding for services provided; his views on this approach; if he considers it acceptable that such a public service would be discontinued; if he or his Department officials have engaged with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to consider the way these matters should be dealt with at national level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12483/14]

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Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

While this is a day to day operational matter for the ESB and not one in which I, as Minister, have a statutory role or function, it is a matter of concern to me. I am aware of one estate in Kildare which was the subject of media coverage last week. In this case I am advised that Electric Ireland reached agreement last week with Kildare County Council to take over the account. Kildare County Council has engaged Energia as its supplier and ESB Networks reconnected the supply on Thursday 6 March, 2014. I am further advised by Electric Ireland that this is the only estate in Kildare in this situation.