Energy efficient street-lighting for Palmerstown welcomed by councillor
Gary Ibbotson 01 Feb 2021
South Dublin County Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh says he welcomes a recent reply to a question he tabled about the changeover to more efficient LED public street lighting in Palmerstown.

In response to his question, the local authority said: “To date, we have completed 3,075 upgrades in the Lucan/Palmerstown/North Clondalkin area to date as part of our first phase of the LED Upgrade Progrramme of approximately 10,000 upgrades.
“We are currently commencing the second phase and this comprises a further upgrade of 8,500 light fittings in the county over four to five years.
“A programme for 2021 of 1500 upgrades is being collated at present and will cover locations in all the electoral areas.
“We will keep the elected members informed in advance of any proposed upgrades in their respective areas.”
The Sinn Fein councillor for Dublin Mid-West 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.”
Ó Brádaigh said that he welcomed the council’s response but wants the rollout of more energy-efficient lighting to be quicker.
“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.
“Whilst I clearly welcome the ongoing delivery, I recognise the challenges that Covid-19 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.”