eir reps accused of telling customers ‘blatant lies’

Telecommunications company eir came under scrutiny at last week’s Ballyjamesduff MD meeting.

Cllr Noel Connell (SF) sought an update on the issue whereby people have contacted him “still not connected to broadband” following Storm Eowyn.

Customers were reportedly told “eir would have this up only for Cavan County Council” who were supposedly “not allowing poles” to be installed.

Cllr Shane P O’Reilly (II) said he received a call from a 90 year old still not re-connected, with the reason given that “Cavan County Council had to give a road operation licence”.

A relative of the lady rang eir back in the presence of Cllr O’Reilly (II) when they heard the same reason.

‘Blatant lies’

Cllr O’Reilly told the meeting how he intervened, and said that eir did not need permission to replace or put up telecommunication poles.

“Two days later that phone was back on,” he outlined, going so far as to accuse eir representatives of telling customers “blatant lies”.

Cllr O’Reilly asked Area Manager, Lynda McGavigan, to contact eir and “bring them face to face” with the council.

“The time for being nice is over,” he added.

Meanwhile Cllr T.P. O’Reilly (FG) mentioned a case whereby eir told a customer he had spoken to that they had to “wait” for Cavan County Council to “put up a new pole”.

Disconnected

According to Cllr Winston Bennett, this has been “going on for years”.

Cllr Noel Connell (SF) offered his view that the telephone operators are working off a call centre “script” and “may not be living in the country”.

Providing clarity on the situation, Senior Executive Engineer, John McGahern, said eir do “not require” the council’s permission to “replace or put up” poles.

“Full stop,” he emphasised.

“I truly wish they did need our permission but they don’t,” he added, saying “this is an excuse”.

On the other hand, National Broadband Ireland (NBI) “do work” with the council when putting up poles.

“You do need a licence to cut a hole in the road,” he explained, however he said in the case of “emergency” works “you can dig today and apply tomorrow”.