Lights Out Dublin

At 8pm, it was lights out down by the River Liffey with all the mood lighting underneath eleven bridges switched off. The Custom House, often considered architecturally the most important building in Dublin which is sited on the river front switched off all the lights at 8pm. Non essential lighting on other iconic buildings such as The Four Courts, Liberty Hall and and the courtyard of Government buildings were switched off.

"I am delighted with the response to the Earth Hour initiative in Ireland, says campaign organizer Cathy Flanagan. A 1.5% reduction in power use is a considerable achievement and serves to illustrate the power of one person in just one hour to make Earth Hour a great success, joining cities and individuals across the globe to call for action on climate change. In a campaign like this there is no such thing as an effort too small, we can all do what we can to help tackle climate change. Just by switching off all non-essential lights we can help make a big difference."

Analysis carried out by EirGrid on Saturday night indicates a reduction of approximately 50 megawatts , from the exported demand during the during the period 6.30pm – 9.30pm last night Saturday 29 March. On the basis of these figures we estimate that in excess of 30,000 homes supported Earth Hour not just in Dublin but across the country

The lasting impact of Earth Hour's success is not just what happened for one hour on Saturday night. It's what we in Ireland do next, every day, to use save energy and water, to minimize waste and maximize recycling. Small steps add up.

Those who supported Earth Hour in Ireland should pat themselves on the shoulder, for making Earth Hour a big hit.

Earth Hour Ireland extends thanks to supporters for 2008 initiative

Speaking in advance of Earth Hour, the Campaign Director for Earth Hour Ireland Cathy Flanagan said

“I am delighted with the response to this global initiative in Ireland, and in particular we welcome the support from Dublin City Council and the Lord Mayor Cllr Paddy Bourke.

Iconic buildings in the city centre which will switch off at 8pm include the Four Courts, the Customs House, mood lighting underneath 11 of the bridges that cross theRiver Liffey. The Office of Public Works has agreed to switch off lights at the Customs House, the Four Courts, facade lighting at Áras an Uachtaráin (President’s residence), and the courtyard in Government buildings. All these actions will be complimented by similar activities in cities such as Sydney, Atlanta, Manila, Copenhagen and Phoenix. In a campaign like this there is no such thing as an effort too small, we can all do what we can to help tackle climate change. Just by switching off all non-essential lights we can help make a big difference.”

"We would also like to extend our thanks to pupils in schools who have played their part. Pupils in schools such as Saint Ailbe's school in Tipperary Town where the fourth year class ran a campaign to raise awareness of Earth Hour in the week leading up to the Easter holidays. Posters were posted all throughout the school with letters sent home to parents and earth hour stickers given out to all pupils. "

"Earth Hour Ireland would also like to thank organisations such as the National Youth Council of Ireland, SIPTU and Dublin Docklands to name a few, all of whom have sought to raise awareness of our campaign through their networks.
Furthermore two Irish hotels deserve a particular mention, namely the Four Seasons in Dublin and Muckross Park Hotel, both setting an example to all hoteliers in Ireland.

If you are planning to be in Dublin city centre for Earth Hour why not capture the switch off and send your photos to earthhourireland@gmail.com

You can keep up to date with further news about Earth Hour 2008 on our website www.earthhour.org/cities/dublin

Once again many thanks for your support

More Irish businesses sign up to support Earth Hour Ireland

More Irish Businesses sign up to support Earth Hour Ireland

Dell Ireland has lent its support to Earth Hour Ireland by committing to switch off. With a the total number of light fittings amounting to 1560; they estimate that their total power usage per hour is 120kW and that by switching off there will be an approx saving of 75kg of Co2 emissions per hour. Commenting on Dell’s involvement with Earth Hour, Ciara Lynch, Head of Corporate Communications, Dell said: ‘Dell has a well documented commitment to the environment both globally and in Ireland. For this reason Dell is delighted to be getting involved with Earth Hour. Recently in Dell a group of employees have come together to create the ‘Dell Green Team’. They are going to be looking into how we as an office can become a more energy efficient.’

Meanwhile in Killarney's majestic National Park, Muckross Park Hotel is setting an example to all hoteliers in Ireland. All the lights in the bar and restaurant will be switched off and church lights will be used instead; furthermore hotel guests will be given candles to use in their rooms for the duration of Earth Hour Ireland

Four Seasons Hotel Dublin goes Dark for Earth Hour

Four Seasons Hotel Dublin are turning off the lights in Seasons Restaurant on Saturday 29^th March at 8pm to support Earth Hour.

Four Seasons Hotel Dublin will join select sister properties in creating a chain of candlelight dinners circumventing the globe. Besides Four Seasons Hotel Dublin, several other Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are inviting local patrons and guests to dine by candlelight as an enjoyable and delicious way to observe Earth Hour together.

Earth Hour is a global initiative, that asks people around the world to switch of their lights for an hour in a bid to highlight the need for action in the race against global warming.

Aline FitzGerald, Director of Marketing at the hotel commented - 'Four Seasons Hotel Dublin is delighted to take the lead by being the first hotel chain in Ireland to officially support Earth Hour. We believe it is a fantastic initiative that will raise awareness of the threat of global warming.’

Four Seasons Hotel Dublin has pledged to turn off its lights in the dining room for the entire evening and ask quests to dine in candlelight, joining thousands of other individuals and business around the world in highlighting the threat our planet faces from global warming.

With superior service and heavenly scents emanating from the kitchen, dining at Seasons Restaurant is always delightful. With the glow of candles illuminating the room and stretching from sea to sea, it promises to be enchanting.

Ireland's largest trade union lends its support

SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O'Flynn said he was happy to offer the Union’s support to the Earth Hour 2008 global campaign.

"Just as trade unions in developed and developing nations understand the strength of collective action, we also understand the need to tackle the threat of global warming,” he said.

“We believe that the challenge of climate change requires extraordinary steps to be taken to engage with people at all levels in the campaign if we are to raise awareness to the threats posed.

“It is not enough to lobby and persuade governments. The engagement of millions of ordinary people is required and unions are a vital link in that process of mobilisation.

“SIPTU will lend its support by not only raising awareness amongst our Union members but also by ensuring that Liberty Hall - one of Dublin's iconic landmarks switches off on March 29 from 8-9pm,he concluded.

Medieval Wexford secures Earth Hour support

Wexford, a medieval town, in the 'Model County' is the next town in Ireland to lend their support to Earth Hour 2008.

Wexford Town Mayor Cllr. George Lawlor is absolutely thrilled that his efforts to secure support from the Town Council have proved successful.
"It is very important to give a signal to people that you can make a difference, I am so proud to announce that the town of Wexford will join other towns and cities in Ireland in the fight against global warming, by being part of Earth Hour in 2008."

Local authorities in towns such as Tralee and Kilkenny have now endorsed the Earth Hour campaign and their local Chamber of Commerce is obliged to ensure that businesses play their part on March 29th

'Garden of Ireland' endorses Earth Hour 2008

Councillors in Wicklow County, (otherwise known as the 'Garden of Ireland') passed a resolution supporting the Earth Hour campaign today.
The Cathaoirleach (chairperson) of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Anne Ferris, has welcomed the fact that the Council has endorsed a motion of support for the Earth Hour campaign.

"We've have been working hard on this campaign for some time now and I am delighted that so many others have rowed in behind it. 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.Little effort is needed to make a huge impact. Looking at the success of the campaign in Sydney we know Earth Hour’s hour of darkness can help shed some light on what we can all do"

Meanwhile the campaign in Ireland, has also received the support of organisations such as the National Youth Council and Dublin Docklands

And Independent Senator, Ivana Bacik has also lent her support to the campaign, speaking earlier today she said "I warmly welcome the Earth Hour initiative which I know will receive the support of thousands of Dubliners. I would strongly urge everyone to contribute to this important energy-saving action; and to participate in this great public movement to highlight the issue of light-pollution internationally."

OPW Minister makes EarthHour commitment

In the Dail (Irish Parliament) the Minister responsible for the Office of Public Works (OPW for short) has just agreed to participate in the Earth Hour 2008 campaign. The OPW provides accommodation for Government services and manages and maintains the State's property portfolio not just in Dublin but, throughout the country. We can expect iconic landmarks such as the Custom House on the Quays and Government Buildings to switch off on March 29th.

Support for the campaign is steadily growing now as both Limerick City and Galway City councils are supporting this initiative. A big thanks to Kieran Walsh in Limerick for his efforts

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.