Light pollution from street lights.

dlofnep · 09-03-2012 9:24am #1

I have seen a number of cases where councils across Ireland have erected a metal plate to block out light from street lights, where a resident has cited light pollution as a problem.

I contacted my local council on this matter, who forwarded my request onto the relevant engineers who manage the street lights (Airtricity). The engineer stated that the bulbs in question were different, and that the ones in my estate do not cause light pollution. Now obviously, that is entirely subjective - but in my case - I see the lights as producing light pollution.

Where do I stand legally to have the light deflected from my home? One of the previous arguments I read from a resident who was in a similar situation, was that the council was legally obliged to deflect any such light where requested. I've no official documentation to confirm this, but the council in question in that case were the ones who stated that the resident had the legal right to do so - So I was wondering if anyone knew anything further?

mattjack · 09-03-2012 9:35am

As far as I know , in Ireland there are only campaigns rather than any legal route at the moment.I think the campaigns argue with regard to wildlife protection,astronomy as hobby etc...

I've worked as an electrician and occasionally have adjusted fittings and changed the type of lamps used when local residents to installations have asked.

dlofnep · 09-03-2012 9:41am

Yes - my reasons for wanting it deflecting are for astronomy. It makes a sizeable portion of the sky unusable.. Usually, the most important portions. The lights in question outside my house are high-pressure sodium 70w - I wonder does the council have the ability to dim the lights?

Ellis Dee · 09-03-2012 9:49am

I had a problem like that with Offaly County Council many years ago. All attempts to have it rectified were a bit like talking to a wall.

I was really on the verge of implementing my own solution (see below) when, fortunately for all I suppose, I was offered a post abroad and left.

mattjack · 09-03-2012 9:51am

High pressure sodium 70 watt is a standard street light, dimming isn't an option, reducing the actual lamp might involve changing the fitting itself....I think.

Airtricity are difficult to deal with,I know that from experience.

Other than speaking to the Airtricity engineer yourself ,explaining what your problem .I know you can get opaque covers and stick on diffusers.

dlofnep · 09-03-2012 9:58am

I'm in contact with the engineer through e-mail, awaiting a reply. I think I'll ask for a phone number so I can have a more personal conversation with him and plead my case.

mattjack · 09-03-2012 9:58am

dlofnep wrote: »

I have seen a number of cases where councils across Ireland have erected a metal plate to block out light from street lights, where a resident has cited light pollution as a problem.

I contacted my local council on this matter, who forwarded my request onto the relevant engineers who manage the street lights (Airtricity). The engineer stated that the bulbs in question were different, and that the ones in my estate do not cause light pollution. Now obviously, that is entirely subjective - but in my case - I see the lights as producing light pollution.

Where do I stand legally to have the light deflected from my home? One of the previous arguments I read from a resident who was in a similar situation, was that the council was legally obliged to deflect any such light where requested. I've no official documentation to confirm this, but the council in question in that case were the ones who stated that the resident had the legal right to do so - So I was wondering if anyone knew anything further?

Did you have a look at the Irish Astrophotography site....?

dlofnep · 09-03-2012 10:00am

Yeah, I posted on there - that is where I saw the demos of people who have had the deflectors fitted to the lights. Here's an example of one..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51993400@N08/4779584321/sizes/l/

dlofnep · 09-03-2012 10:03am

Then of course, there is always this route... But I'd rather sort it legally.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUNeNFz3A-M

dlofnep · 09-03-2012 10:46am

Woohoo, airtricity engineer called me and he's going to try resolve it for me

Genuinely nice guy.

ManAboutCouch · 09-03-2012 10:52am

It doesn't cover Ireland, but you might find the UK Light Pollution maps on this site interesting.

Some of the data is even available for download in .kml format, for use in Google Earth:
http://www.avex-asso.org/dossiers/pl/uk/uk.kmz

dlofnep · 09-03-2012 10:56am

Cheers but I think I have it resolved

mattjack · 09-03-2012 11:54am

dlofnep wrote: »

Woohoo, airtricity engineer called me and he's going to try resolve it for me Genuinely nice guy.

well done, maybe he's a Boards airtricity engineer.

dlofnep · 09-03-2012 11:57am

Not sure - but he's a top fella!

Light pollution from street lights.

Comments