At a recent sitting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District, Green Party Councillor, Louise Heavin, requested that the local authority ensure all new LED street lighting are designed and of a colour that minimise disruption on insects, birds and small mammals.
In response, the Council executive noted that All LED public lighting schemes are designed to take account of the surrounding environments, including areas with particular light sensitivities, to ensure that any potential impact on insects, birds and small mammals is minimised.
It is the Council’s understanding that the key consideration is the whiteness of the LED light, which is determined taking ecological impact into account.
The National Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project, which Westmeath is part of, has engaged extensively with Dark Skies Ireland in the design process to ensure all new LED lighting will reduce light pollution and minimize on any potential ecological impact.
