Well, folks, one small glimmer of hope regarding light pollution in this country, I actually got a reply from Minister Roche, stating simply that they are monitoring light pollution levels in Ireland, but it's 'premature' to invoke a proposal for the introduction of light pollution legislation both at EU and National level, it seems to me that this must be carried to Brussels.
If the EU does'nt move, Ireland certainly won't it seems.
Here's a copy of the response.
Keith..
Dear Mr. Geary,
I have been asked by Mr. Dick Roche, T.D., Minister for the
Environment, Heritage and Local Government to refer to your e-mail
regarding light pollution.
As you are aware, there is no environmental legislation pending or in
force, at either EU or national level, on light pollution. However,
steps have been taken at a national level to help alleviate the effects
of light pollution.
Irish regulations on environmental impact assessment (of projects which
are likely to have significant effects on the environment) require an
environmental impact statement to include an estimate of expected
residues and emissions from the operation of the proposed development.
This requirement expressly covers impacts from artificial lighting. A
number of local authorities have raised the issue of light pollution in
their development plans, aiming to ensure that the design of external
lighting minimises the incidence of light spillage or pollution into the
surrounding environment.
This Department, in relation to non-national roads, and the National
Roads Authority (under the aegis of the Department of Transport) in
relation to national roads, encourage road authorities to take account
of the substantial scope for energy savings by using modern, energy
efficient sodium street lighting lamps. Similarly, Sustainable Energy
Ireland, again primarily for energy conversation reasons, is promoting
the use of lower voltage energy efficient lighting in both domestic and
commercial/industrial situations.
As you have outlined in your e-mail, there is growing interest in and
discussion of the concept of light pollution and of concerns to reduce
night-time illuminations of artificial light in the outdoor atmosphere
for reasons of public amenity, health, energy saving and otherwise.
While, as mentioned above, EU environment policy is not as yet
addressing the issue of light pollution, the Department and the
Environmental Protection Agency will continue to monitor for emerging EU
and international developments in relation to light pollution. In the
meantime, as outlined, integrated steps are being taken in the area in
the area of light pollution and the Minister would still regard it as
premature to commit to new legislative measures at this time.
Yours sincerely,
______________
Cathy Bruton,
Private Secretary
  