Lack of public lighting in rural Wexford is a ‘number one concern’ for small residential communities

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Lack of public lighting in residential areas is a “number one concern” for those living in the villages and small rural communities of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD).

Relaying the feedback she has received from the Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), Councillor Aoife Rose O’Brien said a “comprehensive review” of lighting infrastructure was required across the district to address public safety concerns.

“This is among the number one concerns for people in our communities,” she said at the monthly meeting of the RMD. “It’s something that’s coming back to us on a more frequent basis than anti-social behaviour and drug use, so I would like to see us identify areas in our district where work is required.”

To that end, Cllr O’Brien submitted a motion in which she called upon the RMD to “undertake a comprehensive review of all public lighting infrastructure across the Rosslare district to identify areas where lighting is inadequate, outdated, or in need of improvement; with particular attention to public safety, pedestrian access, residential areas, and key community routes.

“And that a report be brought back to members outlining priority locations and proposed upgrade works.”

That motion was subsequently seconded by Cllr Lisa McDonald and carried by the council. In response, roads engineer Michael Brazzill said he would speak with his colleagues regarding a review of lighting in the RMD.