Unacceptable delays in telecom re-connections causing real hardship - Mayo TD

A Mayo TD has criticised communication companies for their failure to reconnect customers over three weeks after Storm Éowyn.

“The damage caused by Storm Éowyn was on a worse scale than anything I have witnessed across Mayo and the whole country,” Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh said.

“I understand that telecommunications companies faced great difficulty in managing reconnections.

"However phone and internet are vital communication tools and people cannot be left without them.

“I have spoken to many constituents who are still without phone and internet connectivity.

"Many report having spent hours on hold waiting to speak to a staff member at Eir or other providers and even when they do get through there are only vague estimates about reconnection timeframes.

“I have contacted both Eir to raise this matter with them. Eir have confirmed to me that they believe it will take another two to three weeks to complete all the repairs in Mayo due to the fact that the some of the remediation work will require road closing licences.

“Eir has also stated that they are issuing 5G mobile broadband as an interim solution to customers while fixed line services are restored.

"Homes and businesses who wish to avail of this need to contact Eir directly.

“Mayo is a largely rural county with many elderly people living on their own in remote areas.

"It is essential that the communications companies divert resources to ensure vulnerable customers are prioritised.

“There are many businesses, including rural post offices, which really struggle to operate without telecommunications.

"For the farming community lack of connection for remote cameras makes life extremely difficult and dangerous for farmers with cows in calf and for sheep farmers now in lambing season.

“The communications companies must step up to the plate and ensure reconnection as soon as possible.”