Climate Action Committee welcomes Houses of the Oireachtas participation in Earth Hour

Starting as a symbolic lights out event in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour is now the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment, inspiring millions of people to take action for our planet and nature. Individuals, communities and businesses are encouraged to turn off non-essential electric lights for one hour to show support for protecting our planet and stopping climate change.

The Houses of the Oireachtas has taken part in Earth Hour since 2008 and again, this year, the OPW will darken iconic public buildings at Earth Hour 8.30-9.30pm on Saturday, 24 March, including Leinster House.

Chair of the Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment Hildegarde Naughton TD welcomed participation by the Houses of the Oireachtas in the global event.

Deputy Naughton said: “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our planet and it is important that we all play our part in helping to reduce the harmful emissions that are damaging our planet and environment and driving climate change.

Earth Hour is a symbolic demonstration that small, simple actions by a large number of people can have an impact. If we can make changes to how we live, work and socialise, we can help reduce the impact we are having on our environment.

It is important that our national parliament plays its part in participating in this awareness campaign.  I am also encouraged by the fact that the Houses of the Oireachtas has taken active steps in meeting the public sector target of 33% energy efficiency savings by 2020 by active Energy Management by promoting awareness and by implementing specific measures to reduce consumption. The 2017 Annual report of the SEAI verified energy efficiency savings of 21% for the Houses of the Oireachtas.”