Calls to 'brighten' walkways in Limerick town will depend on wildlife survey results

CALLS have been made to improve the public lighting on a number of walkways in Kilmallock, in an effort to encourage more people to use the amenities.

At the January meeting of the Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District, a motion was put forward by Sinn Fein councillor P.J. Carey where he called on the local authority to explore funding applications which would support the installation of new lighting, where needed.

Cllr Carey said that there are "great walkways in Kilmallock" but they "get quite dark in the winter months". He explained that the purpose of his motion was to "brighten the walkways in order to encourage people to walk".

Proposing the motion, he said: "We do need to get public lighting on these walkways."

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In a written reply, Maria Woods, Senior Planner said she would look into the proposal, subject to there not being any adverse impact on wildlife. "Before any proposals to install lighting along the walkways in Kilmallock, including the Western Wall Walk, it is essential to assess the impacts on local wildlife," she said.

"Artificial lighting can negatively affect nocturnal species such as bats and may disturb birds and other wildlife," she added.

Ms Woods said a 'Current Lights Assessment' is "a walk-through to record existing lighting levels and any light spill along the routes" which can be carried out immediately.

She added that a 'Wildlife Impact Survey', which is also recommended, has to be carried out during bat season in May. This, she explained, involves the use of detectors to "determine bat presence and usage on these routes". It also allows for "identification of bird nesting sites" in the area.

Ms Woods said: "These surveys will be undertaken and will provide the necessary information to evaluate the ecological implications of introducing lighting and guide any future decisions."

Supporting the motion, Cllr Eddie Ryan noted that he is aware of people travelling from Kilmallock to Effin, where there is a walking track with public lighting. This, he said, "defeats the purpose" of having local walkways and amenities.