A local group is calling for a Dark Skies area in Connemara, claiming it would bring huge benefits.
The group’s new website lists locations in Connemara where the dark skies can be seen without a trace of artificial light.
Máirtín Ó Catháin has this report
[The call has gone out for years for more public lighting in Connemara villages.
Given that background, many people may be surprised to hear a call for darkness in an area that barely registers in the night time brightness index.
However, the Connemara Dark Skies group say that there is more artificial light emanating from Connemara in recent years.
That, they say, is a backward step and they fear a move towards light pollution
The group suggests that Connemara, or, at least part of Connemara would be an ideal location for a Dark Skies designation.
It could, according to the Dark Skies group, have heritage, scientific, environmental and tourism benefits.
But Connemara already has locations where there is nothing but the sky at night without any man made light. The group suggests the Lough Inagh Road, the Bog Road from Roundstone to Clifden, the Lettergesh Beach and other areas, and they give details of suitable parking nearby.
