Dublin, leads the way

Dublin is the first city in Ireland to embrace the spirit of the global campaign of Earth Hour 2008. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Paddy Bourke has been instrumental in gaining the support of city council representatives to endorse the campaign. He is now working with the city council officials and the Chamber of Commerce in Dublin, to raise awareness of the campaign and to ensure that the campaign secures support from the business community. It is hoped that this won't be just an exercise for 1 hour here in the City Council but will be the beginning of an ongoing drive to reduce energy consumption into the future

"I am thrilled that as Dublin Lord Mayor, I will be leading our capital city in its I would urge businesses and homes to join in and take part in the campaign.", said the Dublin Lord Mayor. "This campaign is important and everyone from citizens up to Government has a duty to do what they can against global warming. It is up to us all to do what we can to reduce our CO2 emissions. Through one simple action, turning off our lights for an hour, we can deliver a powerful message about the need for action.” the Lord Mayor, Paddy Bourke added.

Over on the southside of Dublin county, the Mayor or Cathaoirleach of DunLaoghaire-Rathdown County Council,Denis O'Callaghan has successfully gained the support of local authority officials in working towards Earth Hour 2008.

Peter Coyle has been instrumental in getting the support of Fingal County Council which covers the north and west of the greater Dublin area. And a big thanks to Eamon Tuffy in South Dublin County council.

Whilst Dublin is the leading city here we can’t ignore the progress being made in other towns and cities. Over in the West, thanks to a former Lord Mayor of Galway, Billy Cameron, Galway City council has agreed to “enter into the spirit of the campaign” and the support of the business community is currently being sought.

We are still waiting on updates from Cork and Limerick, where the local authorities have yet to make a final decision on supporting the Earth Hour campaign. Fingers crossed we will have a successful outcome from council meetings on Feb.25^th when Limerick City, Wicklow County and Kildare County will also consider lending their support.