The Returning Officer for the upcoming elections in Waterford says he’s concerned that the ESB failed to inform them of a planned power outage in a County Waterford village
tomorrow.

Neil Rooney says, had they not become aware of the issue, the poll in Kilrossanty could have been suspended until Saturday which
would have delayed the count in Waterford until Sunday. It would also have delayed the count of the European election ballots in Cork.

The Local Elections Returning Officer for Waterford Kieran Keogh has secured a generator for the duration of the power cut.

Neil Rooney says the ESB refused to delay the works which will affect part of Kilrossanty during polling for the local and European elections.

He says “We would always have to be conscious of the fact that good lighting so that people can see the ballot papers. The ballot papers are long and you need good
lighting. We were very concerned and we immediately contacted the emergency number for the ESB and we got up to a certain level but unfortunately their view was that
this was something that they have planned and they could not do anything about. We explained that this was a national issue, that it would have to be brought to Government
attention, which it has been and that it coulde have very serious knock on effects.”

He continued “I find it very hard to understand how an institution of that size would not be aware that the 24th of May 2019 was a major polling day in Ireland, it would shock me if
they were not aware it was on and if they were to say that I would find it hard to believe.”