Dark Sky Ireland is pleased to note the publication of the government’s “Rural Development Policy 2021-2025” with Dark Skies commitments referenced in support of sustainable employment and tourism throughout the document.
Excerpts include
“Develop a new Dark Skies Strategy, with a focus on the opportunities this unique blend of tourism and science can create for rural communities”
“There is increasing interest in the night skies as a tourism activity. Ireland has two internationally recognized Dark Skies areas – Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve and Mayo International Dark Sky Park.”
“Dark Sky places offer rural communities sustainable tourism opportunities during out-of-season periods.”
“A Dark Skies Strategy, which will be developed over the course of this policy, will place a particular focus on the opportunities for rural communities, including employment creation.”
And under the Implementation Policy, the policy aims to: “Develop a Dark Skies Strategy for Ireland, with a focus on the opportunities, it can create for rural communities and employment creation.”
Dark Sky Ireland recognizes that an official government strategy for Dark Skies can ensure legitimate support when campaigning for dark skies and reduced light pollution.
Supporters of Dark Sky Ireland should be aware of opportunities to input into consultation as the strategy is being developed.
The policy should be cited when making submissions on lighting in Local Development Plans and Environmental Plans and elsewhere.
The entire document is available at this link
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/4c236-our-rural-future-vision-and-policy-context/
