Tullamore councillor shares concerns over 'inadequacy' of street lighting across county

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Tullamore Councillor Aoife Masterson has raised concerns over street lighting across Offaly.

This comes as Offaly County Council seeks funding for the repair and maintenance of existing lighting in a contract to the value of €1.5 million.

The Sinn Fein politician started a petition on change.org to evaluate how the local community has been affected by the lighting – which she calls inadequate.

Councillor Masterson said: “The lighting across Tullamore Local Electoral Area is not fit for purpose. It is not sufficient, safe, or reliable.

“It is clear that the issues in Tullamore LEA go far beyond repair and maintenance of existing public lighting as associated services. Offaly County Council must also consider the quantity, quality, and location of lighting across the region.”

The Offaly County Councillor recently completed a survey of over 200 people about lighting across Tullamore LEA.

The survey found that 93% of respondents were not happy with lighting in their area. A further 72% reported feeling less safe as a result of the lighting.

Another 60% of respondents said the lighting means they will not walk on their own in the evenings, with 45% saying they have even changed their social or exercise plans as a consequence of the poor lighting.

Councillor Masterson added that the safety of women in the local area is impacted by the poor lighting.

She said: "Unfortunately, the harrowing impact of violence against women on the family, friends, community, and landscape is something we know all too well in Tullamore.

"Women in Tullamore, Clara, and elsewhere do not feel safe."