The proposed Brighter Evenings Bill, which was debated in Dáil Éireann on Friday last, would have negative consequences for the West if enacted. The bill, introduced by Independent TD, Tommy Broughan, proposes to put clocks permanently forward by one hour and bring Ireland into line with Central European Time.
Galway West Fine Gael TD Seán Kyne said that this bill would have different implications for the various regions of the country.
“While the east and south-east would experience slightly later sunrises with extended evening daylight the west could endure darker mornings until close to 10am during the winter months. This would have negative consequences on road safety, for school-pupils, students and commuters, and also on farming.
“However, there would also be negative effects for our strong, vibrant multi-national sector. I’ve spoken to senior managers in multi-national companies based in Galway who harbour concerns that the proposed time change would move us further out of sync with the hours of business in the US where the significant majority of our foreign direct investment originates.
“The importance of the connection with Ireland and the ICT hub that is Silicon Valley on the west coast of the US has been clearly emphasised by the decision of Aer Lingus to re-instate direct flights from Ireland to San Francisco.
“I welcome the Government’s decision,” concluded Deputy Kyne, “to oppose this bill. It is the correct decision for road safety, agriculture and industry and also for the west of Ireland.”
