Houses of the Oireachtas to take part in Earth Hour

Every year, millions of people around the world join the Earth Hour movement and switch off their lights for one hour to show support for protecting our planet and stopping climate change.
As part of the initiative, the Office of Public Works will darken many of our flood-lit national iconic buildings, including Leinster House, at Earth Hour 8.30-9.30pm on Saturday, 24 March.

Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, Seán Ó Fearghaíl said: “I’m delighted that this year, yet again, the Houses of the Oireachtas will take part is this very important initiate to highlight the impact of climate.

We must all take responsibility for addressing the challenges posed by climate change and it is essential that we, as the National Parliament, lead by example in demonstrating our commitment to the fighting the causes of climate change.

While it is an important symbolic gesture, the Houses of the Oireachtas is playing its part in a sustained effort aimed at reducing the carbon emissions in the entire Leinster House complex. Our energy management activities are focussed on participation in the OPW’s ‘Optimising Power @ Work’ campaign which aims to reduce CO2 emissions and energy by reducing energy consumption in the public sector through activities focused on behavioural change.

In this regard, the Houses of the Oireachtas conducted an energy awareness programme entitled  ‘Step Up’ in May and June 2017. Most recently, the Catering Service in Leinster House has launched a pop-up initiative promoting the use of environmentally friendly coffee cups, cutlery and related material.  Such initiatives may seem small in the overall scheme of climate change action, but the Houses of the Oireachtas remains committed to exploring such tangible and achievable options while mindful of larger initiatives which benefit Leinster House, Members and staff, visitors, and the environment.

The Oireachtas has made good progress on achieving targets, and the Service reports to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland annually on consumption and activity. I'm encouraged by the findings of the SEAI Annual Report which verified energy efficiency savings of 21% for the Houses of the Oireachtas.”