Irish lightbulbs inspire great ideas

Irish consumers are going to find it increasingly difficult to get hold of traditional light bulbs as the electricity guzzlers are being phased out in favour of their energy saving cousins.

High consumption standard light bulbs are set to be taken off the shelves in March next year under plans by Ireland’s environment minister John Gormley.

Gormley said the measures must be taken to reduce Ireland’s carbon footprint and to help combat rising energy costs.

Sustainable Energy Ireland said that low-energy light bulbs use up to 80% less electricity than standard bulbs, and last around ten times longer.

In March 2009, the first lights to be banned will be traditional bulbs with a consumption rating over 75 watts - accounting for around half the light bulbs sold in the country.

This will be 9 months ahead of European Union targets, under which EU countries must ban high energy light bulbs by 2010.

Traditional bulbs will be completely phased out from sale in Ireland by 2012.

The lightbulb industry in Ireland had been hostile to the plans, but after lengthy negotiations, Gormley has got them on board.

The UK has already started phasing out old style bulbs under plans set to be complete by 2011.