No public lights for Kildare - because they're being vandalised
Low level lighting is “generally discouraged’
Ongoing vandalism is among the reasons Kildare County Council is giving for not approving low level lighting in public places.
Rathangan-based councillor Brian O’Loughlin made a call for motion sensor, low-level public lighting.
He told a KCC meeting it should be considered for “semi-urban areas” notably along particularly along pedestrian routes, laneways, greenways, residential link roads and areas with limited existing lighting.
However KCC said its "current public lighting specification” demands that lights should be appropriate and consistent “to ensure safe movement for pedestrians and road users.”
It also said low-level lighting is “generally discouraged” because it’s seen as “more prone to vandalism and damage” and and present recurring maintenance issues.
“For this reason, it is typically only considered in locations where there is strong passive surveillance.”
It accepted that recent technology may have benefits but it must nevertheless meet the “required lighting standards and ensure that minimum lighting levels are maintained in the interest of public safety.”
High level motion sensor lighting has been installed on the Royal Canal Greenway, following an environmental assessment.
KCC also said requests for new or enhanced lighting, including proposals for low-level or motion-sensor lighting, will still be assessed and requests are prioritised using a ranking system.