KILDARE: Call for public lighting to be dimmed to protect wildlife

Public lighting should be dimmed to protect wildlife.

That’s according to Naas councillor Bill Clear who wants Kildare County Council to introduce dimming lights which are friendly to wildlife - particularly nocturnal animals and bats.

It would also lead to more energy efficient public lighting.

He told a KCC meeting that any lighting that blocks moonlight doesn’t help wildlife and it is apparent that places where dimming lights have been introduced have seen an increase in the wildlife population.

He said energy bills could be cut by 30% and it leads to a smaller carbon footprint.

KCC official Celina Barrett said a public lighting energy efficient project (PLEEP) gets underway this year with a survey due to take place by the end of March and the project will conclude in 2025.

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However, this will only upgrade existing lights to more efficient LED lights and will not lead to additional lighting.

Ms Barrett said the potential impact on nocturnal animals has been taken into account and it will be possible to have lighting in specific areas which addresses concerns raised about wildlife.

She also pointed out that “lighting has multiple functions including pedestrian safety.”