Write a commentNewry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty says he has been advised by the Department for Infrastructure that due to budget restrictions they have introduced a limited street lighting service and that single outage repairs are no longer prioritised.
Mr McNulty said, ‘As a public representative I get contacted by a large number of constituents when there are individual lights off in a particular area. I tend to log these requests onto NI Direct and where there is a particular issue I would make contact with the appropriate engineer highlighting a concern, for example, where there are a large number of elderly residents and they are concerned about no street lighting in their area.’ ‘In recent correspondence I was advised that due to budget restrictions the department has introduced a limited street lighting service and that single outage repairs are no longer prioritised.’
This is shocking development. As we approach the dark winter evenings communities rely even more on street lighting. In some cases, a single light can leave a cul-de-sac dark or a footpath between houses in darkness. In areas where there are footways out around towns that are popular with walkers at night, this can leave people feeling scared and vulnerable. What often transpires is one light becomes two, three or four and before you know it the street is n complete darkness.’ ‘I have written to the Divisional Roads Manager and highlighted my concerns. His street lighting team do a fantastic job when I get in touch, but now it appears their budgets have been slashed and work is no longer a priority.’
‘I have asked for a detailed breakdown of the budget earmarked for Street Lighting repairs by year for each of the last four years and an explanation as to why it has been cut this year. I have asked that consideration is given to re-profiling internal budgets to have street lighting repairs carried out in a timely manner. Finally, I have asked when can we expect the ‘normal service to resume.’ ‘It might seem a trivial issue to some, but to others it is a very important basic provision. It makes people feel safe in their homes and safe on our streets. I look forward to progress been made in this area.’
