Council to look into solar lights

CLARE County Council is examining the potential of solar lights for public lighting projects, a meeting has heard.
At a recent Ennis West Electoral Area meeting, Councillor James Breen asked that the local authority install a public solar street light at Kilnamona Cross.
“This could be done as a pilot project, part funded by the local community and Clare County Council,” Councillor Breen suggested.
However, he was informed by Eamon O’Dea, senior executive engineer for the Ennis Electoral Area, that the provision of street lighting at that location would not be in accordance with the priorities for community lighting.
In particular, it would not be in accordance because, he said, “Priority for community lights will be given to the following: clear extensions of the existing public lighting network in towns and villages along existing footpaths and within the 50 kilometre speed limit; at areas of public congregation such as churches, community halls, for reasons of public and road safety.”
He added, “The location and aspect of a single light at a junction could cause drivers at night to be distracted on the N85, where the speed limit is 100 kilometres an hour.”
Mr O’Dea concluded, “The council has examined the solar street light pilot schemes carried out by other local authorities and are considering the system when evaluating public lighting projects.”