ESB Networks say it is not delaying connecting supply to Portlaoise housing estate

ESB Networks said that it is not responsible for the delay in connecting electric supply to the newly constructed Sand Wood housing estate in Portlaoise.

The company’s denial follows on from recent public comment in which it was intimated that the blame for the delay lay with ESB Networks.

However, in documents seen by the ‘Laois Nationalist’ ESB Networks said that since June, it had “all the kit that is required on our part to facilitate connection.” 

It said one of its local employees “tried to begin installation when the equipment arrived, however the site was not yet ready.” 

In the documents, ESB Network said: “The latest update is that our local supervisor called to the site on Monday morning 14 July. Unfortunately, a number of deliverables of the developer are not yet in place. Specifically ducting and civil works – such as the plinths on which we install our transformers – are not yet in place.” 

The commercial semi-state utility company said: “ESB Networks cannot install our equipment until this work is completed to standard by the developer. We understand that the site foreman has indicated that it will be another three weeks before their deliverables are completed.

“Thereafter ESB Networks will need approximately three weeks to complete our deliverables. We fully recognise that this is challenging time for the affected families and will continue to monitor developments with a view to closing out on our deliverables as soon as practicable.”