Light pollution policy to protect Mayo's skies

WORK is underway to make Newport Ireland's first dark sky friendly town.

On a county level, a policy on lighting pollution is to be examined by Mayo County Council's environmental strategic policy committee (SPC).

Georgia McMillan of Mayo Dark Skies gave a presentation to SPC members this week where she explained how light pollution is spreading across Mayo and a policy is needed, which members are going to look at as part of the county development plan.

A policy, she explained, would be positive for climate action and biodiversity, as well as delivering financial savings, and it could be aligned with LED retrofits.

There was a need to future-proof Mayo's dark skies park, based in the national park in Ballycroy, which in turn would support plans for an observatory and planetarium there.

It would also support Newport's goal of becoming Ireland's first dark sky friendly town.

Alot of light, said Ms. McMillan, is not doing what it should do. Good lighting should be subtle yet effective.

Some 30% of energy is wasted in poor design and fitting.

Head of environment Martin Keating said to develop a policy they needed to engage with stakeholders and it was agreed to start that process in the new year.