Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 September 2019
190. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount which will be spent in each county under the national programme to upgrade public lighting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37964/19]
View answerThe national project to upgrade our public lighting will greatly assist Local Authorities in meeting their energy efficiency objectives under the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy and the carbon and higher energy efficiency objectives set under the Climate Action Plan. The Public Lighting Upgrade Project involves most of Irelands Local Authorities and is being steered by an advisory group chaired by a representative from the County & City Management Association (CCMA). Since the project has moved into the implementation phase it has been led by the RMO (Roads Management Office) a shared service for the Local Authorities. I would point out that some local authorities are not participating in the national project but are progressing and resourcing the lighting upgrade individually. My Department is involved in helping to progress the project and is represented on the Advisory Committee. The project was also successful in the competitive process for funding support under the Government's Climate Action Fund first call for proposals and was allocated €17.47million. The amount to be spent in each county will however be a matter for the RMO to determine in consultation with the relevant local authorities. Given that data on county spend is not held by my Department, I would advise the Deputy to direct questions on county spend to the RMO.
