The Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr John Browne, has launched a scathing attack on the ESB, claiming that streets in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, were so badly lit that they were "reminiscent of war-time Britain".
The Minister of State blamed the company for increased levels of petty crime in areas where street-lighting was left in a poor state of repair for weeks and months.
"A number of people have expressed concern about petty crime and walking on the streets after dark. The lights should not be out of order for as long a time as the ESB leaves them," he said.
The Wexford TD acknowledged that street-lighting would not solve crime, but said its absence was a factor in growing disorder. "Proper public lighting is not going to solve or automatically reduce crime, but the idea is that people should be able to come and go safely at night-time, particularly older people."
He identified Sean Browne Court, Sean Browne Crescent, and Slaney View Park as some of the estates with severe lighting problems. "When you ask how long have the lights been out, people say months; this is not safe. The council pays huge amounts to the ESB as contractors to provide the street-lighting."
He added that the problem was not confined to Enniscorthy. "One of the most common complaints that I and most politicians get is that the public lighting is not satisfactory, particularly in rural areas. The lights are out of order for a considerable length of time and despite repeated requests and reports nothing happens.
"A number of constituents have said to me that damage has been caused to cars while the ESB lighting system is out of order. Cars have been scratched and wing mirrors broken off while there has also been damage to gateways. A lot of older people going to bingo or to and from Mass are wondering if it is safe to walk home in the dark."
The ESB was contracted by Wexford County Council to carry out repairs, he said. "The whole purpose of the ESB is to provide a service. They have a monopoly and they should not abuse it. They should provide the service that the council is paying them for. I just want the lights to be fixed. The general public deserves positive action and reaction from the ESB."
An ESB spokesperson said last night that significant upgrading of public lighting had taken place in Enniscorthy during the past year.
"This has improved the standard and reliability of the service. We patrol on a regular basis and October didn't show any large-scale repairs needed. The November patrol will be carried out this week and any necessary steps will then be taken."