Two Longford councillors have called for a letter to be sent to Minister for Communications

Two county Longford councillors have called on the Minister for Communications to introduce a statutory timeline for providers to repair broadband and phone lines to customers and businesses.

Fine Gael Councillor Paul Ross and his party Cllr Martin Skelly tabled a notice of motion over the current situation has left thousands of customers with no communication and no idea of when the service will be restored.

Cllr Ross said he is asked about broadband every single day and he is aware many other public representatives are also receiving multiple queries.

"It's an utter scandal that seven weeks from Storm Éowyn there are people who have no broadband and have no idea when they are going to get it back and that is the big issue I had with this," he added.

Also Read: Fabulous new cafe is officially open for business in Longford town

Cllr Ross outlined that Comreg has issued statutory guidelines which says legally they are supposed to have 80% of customers back within two days, 95% back within four days and 100% back within 10 days.

"Those guidelines are now gone out the window because of a force majeure on this storm," he added.
Cllr Ross said he was looking for fines are and the communications network to be restored as soon as possible.

“There are people without power who are cut off from the outside world, who relied upon phonelines for communication and for security," he added.

Cllr Skelly, who watched the meeting remotely and seconded it , also highlighted issues with broadband and said there are four lines down in Cashel.

Also Read: 'Huge waiting list isn't acceptable': Over 50 vacant council houses in Longford

Cllr Mick Cahill and Cllr Garry Murtagh supported the call with the latter saying an inability for elderly people to use house alarm emergency buttons is a big concern.

Cllr Peggy Nolan said she has received complaints about power outages in Clondra.

Cathaoirleach Mark Casey, said they will write to the Minister for Arts, Media and Communications to outline the numerous issues.