KCC leads way in raising awareness of light pollution across Leinster

Following a regional conference held at Maynooth University on June 18, Kildare County Council is highlighting the growing issue of artificial light at night and its impact on wildlife, biodiversity and our ability to enjoy the night sky.

The Leinster Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) Conference brought together local authorities from across Leinster and beyond to explore practical ways to reduce light pollution, protect dark skies, save energy and support biodiversity. The event was led by Biodiversity Officers from across the region and chaired by Dr. Méabh Boylan, Biodiversity Officer with Kildare County Council.

Artificial light at night can disrupt the natural light cycles that many species rely on to navigate, feed, breed and rest. Bats, birds, fish, and other nocturnal wildlife can be affected by excessive or poorly directed lighting.

Broadcaster Ella McSweeney opened the conference with a call to “strike a better balance between energy-efficient lighting and the needs of the natural world.”

Kerem Asfuroglu, Director of Dark Source lighting design studio, added that: “light pollution is one of the easiest types of pollution to fix, by using the right lighting, in the right place, at the right time.”

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Dr. Méabh Boylan, Biodiversity Officer, Kildare County Council and Chair of the event Steering Committee, said: “We know artificial light at night is a growing issue for biodiversity across the region. Light spill and sky glow don’t stop at county boundaries, so we need to work together to address them. This event is a first step in that process.”

The conference also shared international best practice and highlighted resources such as the Environmentally Friendly Lighting Guide, produced by Dark Source in collaboration with Dark Sky Ireland and funded by the Heritage Council.

Kildare County Council is encouraging communities, businesses and organisations to consider how lighting is used and to reduce unnecessary or poorly directed lighting where possible. Small changes, such as using the right light, in the right place, at the right time, can help protect biodiversity while also reducing energy use and supporting darker, healthier night skies.

Similar events have recently taken place in Connacht and Munster, reflecting growing national awareness of the need to protect Ireland's night skies.