Kilkenny estate 'plunged into darkness'

Kilkenny councillor Deirdre Cullen raised concerns regarding LED lamps replacing heritage lamps at an estate during the Kilkenny County Council meeting on November 20.

The councillor said she had spoken with residents at White’s Castle estate in Knocktopher and they were ‘shocked’ that the heritage lamps were replaced with new heads and LED bulbs. 

Cllr Cullen added that she believes one lamp has not been replaced. 

According to the councillor, children won’t go outside to play at night and elderly residents cannot see the steps up to their homes or manage to get their keys in the door due to the lack of lighting.

The councillor acknowledged that the replacement of the bulbs is to offer increased safety but according to residents, they’ve almost been plunged into darkness.

“We have to be wise here,” said the councillor, suggesting they look at estates on a case-by-case basis when installing LED light bulbs.

Cllr Cullen said the residents feel ‘very let down’ and ‘overnight their sense of safety has drastically changed’.

Tim Butler, Director of Services said that the project under which the bulbs have been replaced, the Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project - Eastern Region (PLEEP-ER) has been tasked with changing and upgrading the public lighting in the local Authorities that make up the PLEEP-ER and Kilkenny County Council is the lead for the region. 

In relation to light spill to areas outside of the road and footpath, Tim said the existing lights were less efficient and lit the road and pavement but also other areas causing light pollution and lighting areas where they weren’t designed to (including green areas) and that this will be addressed in the current project. 

As part of the project, the design of the new lighting will be examined pre and post installation to ensure roads and footpaths are appropriately lit, he explained.