P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 488: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a semi-State company (details supplied) plans to cease providing a service to local authorities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16173/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I have no function in the matters to which the Deputy refers. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I can provide the following information.

Responsibility for the regulation of the supply market lies with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body. ESB Customer Supply is responsible for the supply of electricity to local authorities for public lighting and I am advised that there are no plans by ESB Customer Supply to withdraw this service where local authorities continue to require it of the company.

It is however the case that that the electricity supply market has been fully opened to competition since February 2005. I understand that ESB Customer Supply and the CER have undertaken information campaigns to advise interested parties including local authorities on the opening of the electricity supply market. The CER is working with the electricity supply industry and local authorities to ensure arrangements are in place to enable local authorities to opt to switch electricity supplier through conducting competitive tenders.

Responsibility for the installation and maintenance of public lighting resides with the local authorities and not with the ESB. However, ESB Contracts, an unregulated part of ESB, provides a service to the local authorities to install and maintain public lighting. I understand that the provision of these services is open to competition and that there are contractors other than ESB Contracts in the market. Occasionally, this work is also undertaken by local authority staff.