Local Independent Councillor, Michael O’Brien, has noted the urgent need to switch on the lights along the junctions of the M6 motorway.
In August of 2018, the lights were switched off at the M6 junctions four, five, six and seven, as part of Transport Infrasture Ireland’s (TII ) pilot scheme to reduce its energy usage, in order to meet the ambitious challenges set down in the National Energy Efficiency Plans (NEEAP ).
“I raised the issue with Westmeath County Council, who in turn wrote to TII. Their response outlines their various pilot schemes along the motorway network to try and reduce energy, and they will monitor these junctions throughout the year.
“It is just ridiculous. I am all for reducing our energy saving and reducing our carbon footprint, but switching off the lights at junctions along the M6 is an accident waiting to happen. It is total nonsense and a step too far in a bid to save energy,” Cllr. O’Brien commented.
The Moate based Councillor has been inundated with furious representations from local constituents with regard to the issue.
“I have been inundated by local constituents about the matter, they are furious about it, many having witnessed near misses. I use this route every day myself and if you were not from the locality you could be in some bother. However, Transport Infrastructure Ireland is resorting to switching off the lights along one of the busiest motorways in the country in order for the government to meet its 20 percent energy efficiency savings. Lighting is a fundamental health and safety need at motorway junctions. It is really beyond a joke at this stage.
“I would call on TII to take a more pragmatic view to the provision of public lighting along the M6, with a view to promoting the safety of motorists,” Cllr. O’Brien concluded.
