Call for overhaul of power supply in Coosan
Local Cllr Aengus O'Rourke is calling on the ESB to address what he called "very frequent outages" in the Coosan area.
It comes after the most recent cuts following Storm Isha left many in Coosan without electricity for several days.
The Fianna Fáil representative, who said one householder recorded 17 power cuts during 2023, believes the power supply infrastructure in Coosan is "not fit for purpose" and investment is needed to bring the system up to scratch.
“The ESB are seen internationally as a dynamic, successful energy supply company. They are ambitious and have many ambitious plans.
“For example, one of those plans is its ‘Networks for Net Zero Strategy’, which sets out ESB’s commitment to futureproofing Ireland’s electricity network and contributing to Ireland’s goal of net zero by 2050.
“The ESB say that in order to meet the changing needs of society and to achieve climate action targets, ESB Networks commits to an estimated €10 billion euro investment programme to 2030, to develop a smarter and more flexible electricity network in Ireland.
“These are lofty expansive plans, and eyewatering amounts of money. However, the reality in Coosan fly’s in the face of these lofty plans. Frustrated residents and business owners in Coosan feel they are not being listened to by the ESB. The running joke in Coosan at the moment is that ‘if a bird lands on a power line in Coosan the lights go out," Cllr O'Rourke pointed out.
“A vast residential area like Coosan with hundreds of houses, and hundreds more on the way, along with a school and many businesses are subjected to very frequent power outages.
“One resident who recorded the outages last year told me that they experienced 17 outage events in 2023. This resident lost the contents of her freezer on 9 occasions last year. Children arrive home from school and have no choice but to do homework using torches. The inconvenience to everyone has been immense.
“Simply put, the power supply infrastructure in Coosan is not fit for purpose, the ESB need to immediately invest in the area to bring it up to standard and to meet not only the needs of the residents of today but also the residents of tomorrow.
Cllr O'Rourke, who has vowed to highlight the issue at the next Athlone Moate Municipal District meeting, and is calling on management from ESB Networks to come in to the council chamber at the earliest opportunity to discuss the matter and to find a solution.