Paying Electric for Street lights etc

I live in a small cul-de-sack consisting of approx 7 semi-detached houses 10min walk from the town centre.

We have just had a letter from Electric Ireland, stating that they are going to cut supply to all outside areas ie. Public lighting, Water pump systems, Sewage systems, Security Systems, Common areas. From 29/10/20012

The reason being that the developer has not paid the bill since 2008 and we must pay.
Each resident has paid €100 per year, for a number of years to have the grass cut across the road.

The council maintain that they look after the road and services but it is a private estate.

I have a letter from Cork County Council dated 24/02/2012 stating that street was taken charge by Cork County Council on 9/11/2009.

What constitutes a Private estate? Should this not be paid from our Household charge and water charge ?

Is there a management company in place? What was documented as the council were taking the development in-charge?

Household charges/ water charges have no relevance here.

It was not handed to the residence, the developer was paying for a number of years, then decided to stop, so Elect Ireland say it is up to us now to pay

roker said:

I have a letter from Cork County Council dated 24/02/2012 stating that street was taken charge by Cork County Council on 9/11/2009.

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If the Council have taken over the road, then they will pay for the public lighting along this road only. They will not pay for electricity for lighting of the common areas, security gates or pumping system. This is the responsibility of the management company.

roker said:

What constitutes a Private estate? Should this not be paid from our Household charge and water charge ?

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A private estate is private land not taken in charge by the Local Authority. Household charge & property tax is for local authority services (not incl. grass cutting in housing estates) on public land only.

If it is not in our deeds then it is not private.
What is to stop them calling any cul-de-sack a private estate?
What do you mean by security gates? If it is private can none residence be stopped from entering ie. gated community

roker said:

If it is not in our deeds then it is not private.
What is to stop them calling any cul-de-sack a private estate?
What do you mean by security gates? If it is private can none residence be stopped from entering ie. gated community

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You really need to take proper advice. Get the residents together. Nominate one person to take up their Deeds and go to a/ their solicitor. To review the title and the planning situation.

You could also go into the Council and request a copy of the planning permission for the estate which may well set out any conditions in the permission relating to responsibility for what.

You are the one who referred to "Water pump systems, Sewage systems, Security Systems, Common areas" - all of which sound very much like there needs to be a Management Company.

It may well be that the developer has issues but it is up to the house owners to get together and see what needs to be done.

mf