Christmas lights curtailment considered over energy crisis

WITH Dublin’s Christmas lights set to be switched off early this year in response to the energy crisis, Clare County Council has confirmed that it is “continuing to monitor situation” when it comes to Ennis’ annual festive display.

While the government has not issued any directive relating to Christmas lighting displays, Minister Eamon Ryan has suggested others follow Dublin’s example in a bid to save energy.

Usually Dublin city’s Christmas lights stay switched on from 2pm until 4am, or 7am on Grafton Street. However, this year they are to be turned on at 4pm, and off at 2am.

The Clare Champion contacted Clare County Council to ask if there are any plans to curtail festive lights in Ennis.

A spokesperson for the council stated, “Ennis Municipal District is continuing to monitor the situation and will make adjustments as appropriate.”

The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications was speaking recently in response to a question by Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara.

The Independent TD asked if the department, “has issued a directive or guidance to local authorities in respect of festive lights being erected in towns and cities across Ireland during the forthcoming Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter.”

Minister Ryan responded, “The Public Sector has a very strong track record in energy efficiency, having achieved the ambitious 2020 target of a 33% energy efficiency improvement, compared to an overall economy wide target of 20%.

“Given the ongoing situation in relation to energy prices and supply, there is now a concerted effort across the public sector to continue this leadership role in reducing energy use.

“In line with the National Energy Security Framework, a ‘Reduce Your Use’ energy efficiency campaign is being delivered to public bodies by the SEAI and the OPW.

“Government recently took the decision that all public sector bodies will lead by example in lowering energy consumption and costs by signing up to implementing and commencing in September the SEAI / OPW campaign.

“Public sector organisations are now implementing a number of measures including; setting temperatures to a guideline 19 degrees where appropriate, turning off heat in office buildings at least 1-2 hours before the building closes, ensuring no non-security/safety lighting is in use after 8pm, and organisations will also seek to reduce unnecessary lighting at other times.

“While no directive has issued in respect of festive lights, there are existing examples of steps that have been taken in relation to festive lighting.

“For example, I am aware that the city centre business group Dublin Town, which operates Dublin’s Christmas lights intends to operate shorter hours than previous years, with the lights switching on at 4pm and off at 2am.

“It is expected that public sector organisations might consider this, and similar, examples of voluntary demand reduction in line with both national and European targets.

“I will ask OPW and SEAI to actively promote this as a consistent approach in their role in coordinating energy efficiency across the Public Sector.”