Lights To Go Off For Xmas

>> Ryan set to target festive illuminations > Schools & libraries asked to cut usage

- Ferghal Blaney

Councils may turn off Christmas lights this year as part of a nationwide effort to reduce energy consumption.

Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has given local authorities the green light to “look at” turning off festive illuminations as electricity prices continue to soar.

The Greens’ leader also hinted public buildings such as schools and libraries could see the lights dimmed and the heat turned down this winter to save cash.

Mr Ryan said: “Local authorities are starting to look at that.

“They’re starting to look at every measure, but we’re not being proscriptive down to that level yet.

“When it comes to libraries, I think we have to be clever here. We don’t want to be shutting facilities that actually provide a really important social function in these difficult times.