Faulty Christmas lights ‘embarrassing’ for Drogheda as Louth councillors demand answers

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Drogheda “deserves better” than faulty Christmas lights going out during the annual switch-on ceremony, the December meeting of the Borough District heard on Monday night.

Mayor Michelle Hall said councillors wanted answers on why the lights went dark just moments after they had been launched for the festive season.

"It was a bit embarrassing,” said the Mayor. “The lights went off straight away.”

She told the meeting that faults with the lights has been highlighted for the last two years by Drogheda BIDS, but the problem had emerged once again this year.

“Can we get an update on what the council are doing to repair the light junctions to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen next year. This has to be dealt with.”

Mark Johnston, Senior Engineer at Louth County Council, told the meeting that the matter had “fallen between two stools” at the council, but it is being looked into.

He explained the problem is being caused by issues at the six light junction boxes which supply the electricity needed to power the lights. These are “reaching the end of their lives” and need replaced, he added.

"It’s too late for this year, obviously. But for next year we are going to replace the six junction boxes and the new connections to the ESB, so they are waterproof and functional and won’t trip up.”

Cllr. James Byrne highlighted that “half the Christmas lights on West Street were out today,” saying it was important they are fixed for this year’s celebrations.

"Am I right in saying these won’t be fixed before Christmas? It just looks terrible.”

Mr. Johnston said the council would look at West Street, but it was his understanding they were working as they had been checked by an electrician.

He added that the junction boxes supplying the power were working, but were rusted and need replaced. “But the lights are still operational.”

“So why are about half the Christmas lights off this afternoon?” said Cllr. James Byrne.

Mayor Hall asked why six street lights at Tesco are not working.

The council would check if the lights are faulty at that location, said Mr. Johnston.

Cllr. Declan Power said faulty Christmas lights presented a poor picture of Drogheda..

He said a lot of work had gone in by the BIDS team to prepare for the switch on, and “while these things can happen and lights can be faulty, there needs to be an audit done in conjunction with the council and the ESB of all the electrical units in the town.”

Electricity junctions needed to be “festival proof,” he added so that when events are held such as Christmas markets or other festivals they could be easily connected to the supply network with ease.

"It just wasn’t good for the town to see lights failing, and the town deserves a lot more.”