AS IT COMES closer to the clocks being turned back this weekend, there are calls for the time change to be scrapped.

It will mean less daylight in the evenings and more in the mornings.

The proposal of getting rid of daylight savings time has been debated in the Dáil in recent years.

Those in favour say it would mean more daylight when most people are awake, safer driving conditions and brighter evenings that could help promote healthier lifestyles.

Opponents argue that Ireland should stay in the same time zone as the UK and that changing the clocks helps farmers to make the most of daylight hours for harvesting.

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has joined a number of MEPS in the European Parliament who think it’s time the change was scrapped.

Clune described the clocks going backwards as a relic from a bygone era that no longer serves a useful purpose.

Brighter evenings would lead to improved outcomes for road safety as the roads are more dangerous from the hours of 4-7pm.There are obvious economic benefits such as reduced energy consumption because of less need for artificial light in the evenings with a consequent reduction in CO2 emissions.

“The very least we should do is have an informed debate on whether it is a good idea to continue winding back the clocks every year.”

So what do you think, should we scrap daylight savings time? 

Read: 14 TDs in Dáil chamber as Bríd Smith produces packet of abortion pills>

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More