Cllr. Connaughton outlined his reasons for bringing this motion to the Council for discussion. It was brought to his attention after recent works in Athleague village where services had to be changed and the costs associated with moving or relocating services that are charged by Eir and Electric Ireland.  These costs can in the future negatively impact on the ability of Roscommon County Council to carry out enhancement works that are of benefit to the county where moving and relocating services are required as part of the works. These charges also impact on community groups that need to carry out projects.

Members supported the motion and added the following :

·         Now that Eir is a private company this could be a difficulty and when it was in state ownership it was carried out for free

·         Poles left exposed when boundary fences removed and liability involved. Removing or replacing a pole is now prohibitive cost.

·         Standing Charges should cover these type of costs

·         There should be no charge and service provides should be written to, to tell them that their pole is a Health and safety risk and to move it.

·         Which Minister is responsible for these service providers?

·         This issue is causing huge frustration around the county. It is extraordinary the powers have to install poles but no liability to remover them and the payments charged bears no relationship to the cost involved.

·         The utilities were facilitated to install poles but this is not reciprocated.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connaughton

            SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to write to both Eir and Electric Ireland asking them to review their costs in the interest of tourism development and the interests of safety. These costs will make these enhancement jobs prohibitive.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Naughten

            SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED to write to the Minister of Communications regarding the charges imposed by Services providers such as Electric Ireland and Eir and to seek the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to put a cap on these charges.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

            SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED to write to Comreg (the Commission for Communications Regulation) regarding the charges imposed by Services providers such as Electric Ireland and Eir for relocation of existing services.