Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 October 2022
52. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has issued a directive or guidance to local authorities in respect of festive lights being erected in towns and cities across Ireland during the forthcoming Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48715/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Sector has a very strong track record in energy efficiency, having achieved the ambitious 2020 target of a 33% energy efficiency improvement, compared to an overall economy wide target of 20%. Given the ongoing situation in relation to energy prices and supply, there is now a concerted effort across the public sector to continue this leadership role in reducing energy use.
In line with the National Energy Security Framework, a ‘Reduce Your Use’ energy efficiency campaign is being delivered to public bodies by the SEAI and the OPW. Government recently took the decision that all public sector bodies will lead by example in lowering energy consumption and costs by signing up to implementing and commencing in September the SEAI / OPW campaign.
Public sector organisations are now implementing a number of measures including; setting temperatures to a guideline 19 degrees where appropriate, turning off heat in office buildings at least 1-2 hours before the building closes, ensuring no non-security/safety lighting is in use after 8:00pm, and organisations will also seek to reduce unnecessary lighting at other times.
While no directive has issued in respect of festive lights, there are existing examples of steps that have been taken in relation to festive lighting. For example, I am aware that the city centre business group Dublin Town, which operates Dublin’s Christmas lights intends to operate shorter hours than previous years, with the lights switching on at 4pm and off at 2am. It is expected that public sector organisations might consider this, and similar, examples of voluntary demand reduction in line with both national and European targets.
I will ask OPW and SEAI to actively promote this as a consistent approach in their role in coordinating energy efficiency across the Public Sector.
