Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the fact that with regard to astronomy, the majority of street lighting diffuses the light not only downward to the pavement but also upwards, in other countries this practice has ceased to ensure that the orange sky glow over towns will be done away with; misdirected light not only destroys the view for astronomers but also leads to a huge wastage of energy and is unnecessary in view of modern options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42047/12]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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There is no environmental legislation pending or in force, at either EU or national level, on light pollution. However, steps have been taken at a national level to help alleviate the effects of light pollution.

Irish regulations on environmental impact assessment (of projects which are likely to have significant effects on the environment) require an environmental impact statement to include an estimate of expected residues and emissions from the operation of the proposed development. This requirement expressly covers impacts from artificial lighting.

While a very limited number of planning authorities have included objectives in their development plans in relation to the minimisation of light pollution, it is open to authorities to address this issue in the context of providing for the proper planning and sustainable development of their areas through their development plans.

There are no currently no provisions in planning legislation that require planning applications to be accompanied by lighting plans. Under Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 planning authorities may attach such conditions to the grant of planning permission as they consider necessary for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

The guidance document Recommendations for Site Development Works for Housing Areas, dated November 1998, is currently being reviewed by my Department to bring it more fully in line with the requirements for sustainable development. The 1998 recommendations include a section on public lighting in housing areas and in the current review the opportunity will be taken to assess what further measures may be necessary to avoid or minimise light pollution. When finalised, the revised recommendations will be made available to planning authorities.

I will keep under review the need for any additional measures to address the issues raised in the question.