Local Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh has welcomed a recent reply to a question he posed about the changeover to more efficient LED public street lighting for older lighting in Palmerstown. The Councillor in Dublin Mid-West was speaking specifically with regards to the public street lighting programme roll-out to new LED technology across the county when he said:
“As a former taxi driver that spent many years driving night shifts, often for long isolated periods between jobs, you begin to notice the least likely things, such as the sheer number of public street lights that line our roads like endless parallel bars. I sometimes wondered about the incredible cost in powering and maintaining the vast numbers involved. “In advance of the January Area Committee Meeting (ACM) for local councillors, I submitted an official question to the Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council. I asked specifically for a report on the roll-out plans to continue with the programme of works to transition to the newer energy efficient LED lights in Palmerstown.
“In response, I was informed that they have completed 3,075 upgrades across the Lucan/Palmerstown/North Clondalkin area to date as part of the council’s first phase of the LED Upgrade Programme from a target of approximately 10,000. “A second phase is currently commencing and this will comprise of a further upgrade of 8,500 light fittings in the county over a four to five period. A programme for 2021 of 1500 upgrades is being collated at present and will cover locations in all the electoral areas.
“Whilst I clearly welcome the ongoing delivery, I recognise the challenges that Covid19 has presented for all types of services and the impact to the roll-out of planned programmes such as this, however we cannot lose sight of our commitments with respect to climate change but also our responsibilities to making the best use of money spent and this starts within our homes and communities. The LED light transition programme began almost six years ago and if anything we ought to be increasing the rate at which the programme rollout is being delivered.
“Meeting our commitments is not only in the interest of the taxpaying public but importantly forms part of our commitments on climate action plans. LED light bulbs use up to 85% less electricity and emit minimum heat waste, converting this energy to light instead, so the benefits for our community and wider society are there for all to see.”
