ESB look to move Athy’s contentious ‘Shack Box’
Athy's contentious Shack Box
FOLLOWING a concerted local campaign – and perhaps a little help from Joe Duffy – concerning the box in front of the Shackleton mural, the ESB has confirmed that it “is currently in the process of re-engaging with Kildare County Council to put a plan in place to re-locate the junction box”.
“That’s absolutely brilliant!” said cllr Aoife Breslin.
“It’s unfortunate it came to this, but in the long run – despite a bit of anger and debate over it – I'm glad they see it like this,” she said.
“Seeing as we’re spending €10m across the road (with the renovation of the Shackleton Museum and Emily Square) it shouldn’t have been put in front of a mural that was painted by a noted artist and unveiled by the Norwegian Ambassador,” she said.
“But there was a media campaign, and a motion to council, and there was a consensus that it should be moved. I’m very glad,” she said.
Cllr Breslin had been joined by party colleague, Deputy Mark Wall in condemnation of it siting, and he had promised to raise the issue in the Dail if a resolution could not be reached.
The had submitted a query to the ESB as to why it was put here on 6 December, and in fairness they replied within four days, albeit a day late for last week’s issue!
“I have reached out to the area manager on this,” said a press officer.
“As part of ESB Networks’ design process the location of infrastructure is always considered. Before infrastructure can be built in public areas, ESB Networks must obtain the necessary licenses and permissions from the Council. The placement of the junction box in Athy was based on direction and permission obtained from the Council. ESB Networks is currently in the process of re-engaging with KCC to put a plan in place to re-locate the junction box,” she concluded.
