Extension Of Daylight Saving Should Be Given 'Further Consideration'

A Justice Committee proposal to extend Daylight Saving Time by three weeks should be given further consideration, Fine Gael TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, David Stanton has said.

"The clocks go back this weekend meaning, on the plus side an extra hour in bed, but on the negative side, the dreaded start of the dark evenings," Deputy Stanton said.

"During a detailed public consultation undertaken in 2014 by the Oireachtas Justice Committee on the Brighter Evenings Bill 2012, the American model of moving the clock forward by one hour on the second Sunday of March, and moving it back by one hour on the first Sunday of November was considered and thought to be a very good option.

"The Committee sees particular merit in exploring how Daylight Saving Time might take effect for a higher proportion of the year, as is the case in the United States. If it were implemented here we would have one more week before the clocks go back, and could look forward to the coming of bright evenings in early March.

"There are considerable potential benefits to the economy and wider society in terms of energy saving, road safety, economic activity, tourism and mental health if this were implemented.

"There appears to be scope to moving the clock forward by one hour on the second Sunday of March, and moving it back by one hour on the first Sunday of November. Such moves would require changes to European law and the Committee has urged that this position be explored in the event of any future review of European legislation."

(MH/CD)