Clare County Council says it’s still planning its traditional Christmas lights offering in Ennis this year ‘as normal’.
It comes amid increasing concerns about the use of energy in both public and private dwellings ahead of the winter period.
Environment Minister Eamon Ryan claimed earlier this week that local authorities are already looking at the likes of Christmas lights as they consider energy consumption this winter.
Cabinet’s already approved efficiency measures across the public sector, with measures including temperatures in buildings being reduced and not using appliances at peak times.
Clare County Council’s told Clare FM it’s, as of now, planning lights in Ennis this December ‘as normal’, though does say it’ll continue to review any Government guidelines relating to energy conservation.
It also says it intends to expand the offering of lights in Shannon Town Park this year, saying as the lighting is recent, it complies with current energy requirements and has a lower demand on the grid.
The Council says it’s not responsible for lighting in either East or West Clare, but that communities will continue to be engaged with and supported in the process where required considering the current energy situation.
