Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project – South West Region

Lead Authority for the South West Region

Cork County Council is acting as the Lead Authority for the South West Region to retrofit public lights across five Local Authorities with energy efficient LED luminaires. These new lights will be cheaper to run, better for the environment and give off a clearer light.

The South West Region consists of the functional areas of the following five Local Authorities including Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) National road lighting assets:

• Cork County Council
• Clare County Council
• Kerry County Council
• Limerick City and County Council
• Waterford City and County Council

The project entails the replacement of approximately 77,000 public lights over a period of two and half years and will signify savings in energy and maintenance costs up to €48 million (approximately) for the local authorities in the region over the next two decades. The public lighting system renewal will help the Local Authorities reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency in compliance with NEEAP (National Energy Efficiency Action Plan).

Energy efficient public lighting – key facts:

• LED lights use half the energy of traditional public lights, and allow for dimming at appropriate times, which can add a further 7% to 26% efficiency. A reduction in energy use means a reduction in harmful CO2 emissions. 
• When energy use is reduced, energy costs are also reduced. 
• Advancements in LED technology also mean LED lights provide an improved visual environment, enhanced public safety and reduced light pollution.
• LED lights don’t like high temperatures, making Ireland the ideal country to use them. (The cooler the temperature the better the light works).
• The project also provides an opportunity to gather asset management information to better manage our public lighting network

The project is financed by each Local Authority in the region through borrowing from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It is a self-financing project in that the capital costs will be offset by the savings in energy and maintenance. 

Regional Update

This region has completed the procurement of a consultant and a design build contractor to the deliver the retrofit project.  

The Consultancy Services Contract was signed between Cork County Council and Arup on 4th January 2022. 

The Works Contract was signed between Cork County Council and Le Chéile Consortium, comprised of Enerveo Ireland Ltd, Al Read Electrical Ireland Ltd & Electric Skyline Ltd on 28th January 2022.

Surveying of public lighting assets in the region commenced on 25th April 2022 in County Cork.

Key Milestones

Works Contract Progress Update

Further information on the progress of the project in your area within this region can be obtained from the contactor’s website lecheilelighting.ie.