Direct line for councilors to eir needed 'in times of service disruption'

A Westmeath councillor has called for the introduction of a direct line for public representatives who wish to contact telecommunications company eir in the event of a broadband service disruption.

Stemming from the impact of Storm Éowyn in January, Cllr Tom Farrell has called on the Athlone Moate Municipal District of Westmeath County Council to request a meeting with eir regarding "who to contact when there is a disruption to services" as a result of fallen trees and poles on broadband lines.

The Fine Gael councillor raised the issue at the monthly meeting of the municipal district, informing members that he had received a number of representations from eir customers in the community who have experienced service difficulties with the company.

"I am mainly raising this matter as a result of the fallout from Storm Éowyn earlier in the year and the impact it had on broadband services in the District. eir has approximately two million customers nationwide, so they should be investing some of this revenue into a fast and effective system which would respond to service faults within a 24-hour period.

"As a council we should have a direct number to hand allowing us to contact eir in the event of a service outage," Cllr Farrell said.

Cllr Farrell said he was aware of one particular instance where a pole was knocked over following a car crash and as a result, the broadband service "was out for five weeks".

"In this particular situation, people who would usually work from home had to relocate to their offices or local hubs and libraries. This is not always a feasible option for those living in rural areas and so, in my view it is time we got action on this matter from eir.

"Is there any possibility that a contract could be put in place between the council and euir so we have immediate access to a helpline when there is a service issue? It is simply not good enough and another example that rural Ireland is being left behind," Cllr Farrell stated.

Noting that "storms will become more frequent events going forward", Cllr Dolan said that it was essential that the council had a direct line to eir to allow for the reporting of service disruptions.

"We have a direct line to Uisce Éireann and we usually receive a response back from them not long after an issue is reported. Yes, we should contact eir and request that a dedicated line be put in place for public representatives to use when the need arises," Cllr Dolan said.

Responding, Director of Services Jackie Finney said a letter seeking a meeting with eir can be issued to which the members unanimously agreed.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme