THE GOVERNMENT is to mark Earth Hour this evening by turning off the lights on a series of public buildings tonight.

Now in its seventh year, Earth Hour is an initiative where householders are asked to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour, starting at 8:30pm local time, hoping that they may raise awareness of the need to act against climate change.

Originating in Australia in 2007, the Irish government began to participate in 2009.

Environment minister Phil Hogan said the initiative was an important opportunity for the public to show its concern for environment issues.

“I expect that the event will be well supported across the country again this year,” he said.

The Office of Public Works has arranged to turn off the lights at the Department of the Environment offices at Custom House, and at Government Buildings and Leinster House for one hour at 8:30pm this evening.

Other buildings which will have their lights turned out include the Casino at Marino, Trim Castle, the Four Courts, and the Kildare Street buildings that house the Departments of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Other municipal buildings around the country are also expected to turn their lights off when the hour begins at 8:30pm.