Twilight Zone for Port estate

Residents of Shandra Woods estate on the Offaly side of Portarlington are living in a twilight zone. ESB confirmed last Thursday week the estate's public lighting had been switched off as a result of nobody putting their name on the electricity bill after the estate developer told the electricity supplier he was no longer going to pay the bills. However Chairperson of the Shandra Woods Residents' Association Jason Doyle said only 50 percent of the estate's lights have been turned off, leaving residents living in the half light. Speaking to the Offaly Independent yesterday (Thursday) Mr Doyle looked on the bright side, saying that neighbouring club Gracefield has begun training under floodlights, which throws some light on to Shandra Woods in the evening time. Looking forward, however, Mr Doyle said the situation must be resolved, particularly if the icy weather of late continues. He's hoping to complete a petition from residents looking for Offaly County Council to take the estate in charge over the weekend and present it at council buildings next Monday. ESB moved to allay fears of a blackout at Shandra Woods last November after the estate developer withdrew his name from the electricity bills connected to the estate's lights. An ESB spokesperson said at the time the company would work with residents and the council to find a solution. With no progress made and no solution reached since then, however, the company issued a disconnection notice on January 10 and switched off the estate's public lights on January 26.