Mayo TD 'exasperated' with lack of Eir landline and broadband services
MAYO TD Keira Keogh has today expressed deep frustration and exasperation at the ongoing lack of Eir landline and broadband services in parts of Mayo.
Some constituents remain without connectivity a staggering 72 days since Storm Éowyn.
Unbelievably there are also a few that are waiting for their service to be restored since Storm Darragh, which was over 100 days ago.
“It’s simply not acceptable anymore,” said Deputy Keogh. “I’ve been making almost daily representations on behalf of elderly and vulnerable constituents who have been left in limbo without any means of communication - many of whom rely on landlines to stay safe.”
One such case involves a woman in her 90s, living alone with a personal panic alarm connected to a now-defunct landline.
“Her neighbours and carers have gone above and beyond to advocate for her, and I want to commend their kindness and persistence, but she should never have been put in this position,” said Keogh.
“Despite four separate representations I’ve made on her behalf, as well as regular calls from her neighbours, her service has still not been restored.”
Another constituent, who has no mobile phone, had to physically travel to Deputy Keogh’s constituency clinic to seek help.
“She’s been without service since Storm Darragh - but is still receiving bills. That is indefensible.”
Constituents across Mayo have voiced their growing anger and confusion, not just at the prolonged delays, but also at:
• The continued arrival of bills despite having no service;
• The difficulty of getting through to Eir customer service;
• The lack of information or clarity on when their services will be restored.
Deputy Keogh acknowledged that Storm Éowyn caused unprecedented damage to the telecommunications network across Ireland, with Mayo among the worst-hit counties. She also recognised the commitment of Eir employees working on the ground and those who have been engaging with her.
“I don’t doubt that some of the delays are due to the scale and complexity of the damage, including the need to replace over 2,700 poles, manage tree removal on private land, and source specialist repair crews from abroad. But the bottom line is this: people need basic services like phones, panic alarms and the internet, especially the elderly and vulnerable, and this delay is far too long.”
She also raised concerns that many people were unaware of the temporary mobile devices distributed by Eir or that they could request account credits for the period they were without service.
“People should not have to ask not to be charged for a service they didn’t receive. That should be automatic.”
She is encouraging anyone with an elderly or vulnerable family member still without a landline or broadband to contact Eir’s Age Friendly Care line at 1800 252 252, or to email her directly at keira.keogh@oir.ie.
“Eir has said they are prioritising the most vulnerable customers but I am seeing too many people slipping through the cracks. This has not just been a communications issue, it’s a public safety one. We need to see faster response times, better communication, and fairer treatment for those affected. People in Mayo deserve better.”