To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) why replacement LED lights on NIE Networks poles have been removed in areas of Lagan Valley when they were not at the end of their serviceable life; (ii) the cost of the replacement LED lights; and (iii) the cost of the original lights.

When a street lighting system in an area reaches the end of its serviceable life, a survey is carried out of the location affected and replacement lighting is installed only in those areas which meet my Department’s policy for the provision of road lighting.

At that stage, any lights located in areas which do not meet this policy, including any individual LED units that may have been erected previously during routine maintenance, are removed. Any LED units removed, that are still in serviceable condition, will be utilised elsewhere.

This policy helps ensure replacement lighting is provided where it is most needed as well as reducing future maintenance and energy costs and environmental impacts.

The costs to install a LED street lighting luminaire on a network operators wood pole range from £300-£400, depending on the type of light and the location.

My Department does not hold any information on the cost of the original lights.