Munster Express Online

Dear Sir,

I refer to Tom Young’s article “Eircom Answers ‘lack of consultation’ Accusation” in “The Munster Express” (5/Sept/2008).

It is good to see that Paul Bradley, Head of Communications at Eircom, is following in the lauded tradition of “The Skiberreen Eagle”… and keeping a close eye on us.

It may well be that his company posted notices in the kiosks around Tramore, but – strangely – I have yet to come across a single person who saw one. Perhaps, some “Munster Express” reader will have seen one, and let us know. And, in fairness, you will note that I prefixed my remarks with the phrase “…to the best of my knowledge, no notices of intent were posted in the kiosks”.

But the major thrust of my statement was to exhort public bodies, companies and local authorities to endeavour to emplace quality street furniture in our public spaces, and not continue with the vandal-prone kitch that has assailed our eyes over the last score of years, or so.

And now, while I’m at it, I might as well address a couple of other issues that I have with Eircom.

Back in 2005, I sent a letter for publication to the papers in which I chided that telephone company about its awful call-queueing system. A short time after publication, a chap from Eircom contacted me to quiz me about the details. I cannot remember his name, but I can well recall his attitude, which was shirty and sceptical. After I confirmed for him the essential details, he went off to investigate, assuring me that he would get to the bottom of it, and would report back to me…of course. But, getting on for three years later, guess what? Well, strange indeed to relate, not a word back from him or any of the other functionaries in the company.

And, more recently, on the 1st of August, 2008, I sent an email to Eircom with a representation on behalf of an elector. I got an automated response (ID 1826402), assuring me that someone from the TEAM would deal with my enquiry within two working days. It is now five working weeks since then, and not a scintilla of contact from Eircom. Nor, I would be prepared to wager, will there ever be.

The ironical comparison with “The Skibbereen Eagle” will not be lost on your readers, I am bound to think. As a putative organ of liberty in Victorian Ireland, it promised to keep a watchful eye on the Czar of Russia and his expansionist designs on China…all the while with a seeming obliviousness to the tyranny of the down-trodden on its own doorstep!

Yours truly,

Cllr. Joe Conway