asked the Minister for Local Government if, having regard to the relatively poor standard of public lighting provided by the ESB for county councils, he will ensure that county councils undertake direct to provide public lighting independent of the ESB.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision of Public Lighting.
14.
I understand that the standard of public lighting provided by the Electricity Supply Board in any particular case is, in fact, a standard agreed between the Board and the local authority concerned. However, the whole problem of public lighting in Ireland is at present being examined by An Foras Forbartha at the request of my Department. This examination will cover all aspects of the problem, including such aspects thereof as standards, costs, and the arrangements to be made to undertake public lighting schemes. I understand that a report is expected in the early part of this year; when I have considered that report, I shall decide what steps to take in the matter.
Will the Minister agree that in some cases these standards were approved as long as 20 years ago and that very few of them have been brought up to the standard now necessary having regard to the growth of traffic in major arteries? Will he see that urgent attention is given to this?
That is just what is happening.