*Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
KILRUSH is struggling to see the light, the town’s sole elected representative on the County Council has said.
An update on the planned street lighting within Kilrush and ambient lighting at pedestrian crossing throughout the town were sought by Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) at a recent sitting of the West Clare Municipal District.
He asked, “Can I receive an update on the planned review of street lighting within Kilrush with a specific view to upgrade and enhance the ambient lighting at all pedestrian crossings”.
Senior executive engineer in the West Clare Municipal District, Alan Kennelly explained that a lighting survey would be conducted in Kilrush town as part of the Public Lighting Energy Efficient Project (PLEEP).“PLEEP will retrofit all public lights in Kilrush (& all of county Clare) to LED.
“Once completed it is anticipated that PLEEP will deliver greater than 50% energy savings, reduce maintenance costs and improve ambient lighting and the visual environment, reduce light pollution and thus enhance public safety,” he added.
Kennelly noted that public lighting retrofitting under PLEEP has started in Kilrush but is yet to be concluded. Kennelly also predicted that the lighting survey would start after the retrofitting projects are finished. “If there is an issue with lighting at a particular pedestrian crossing following the completion of retrofitting works, we can look at erecting LED spotlights at any problematic pedestrian crossings”.
A funding source for the works will have to be identified, he flagged.
Speaking on the matter, Cllr Lynch commented, “Kilrush are not getting the light, and for the interest of public safety, I would like to see a process of upgrade of lights in the town”.
