We’re opposing EU time reform

STOP the clock... it appears the Government won’t be supporting an EU proposal to end seasonal time changes.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan will today seek Cabinet approval for Ireland to oppose the proposed reform.

In March, the European Parliament backed plans to scrap the practice of moving clocks forward by an hour in spring, then back again in the autumn.

That vote was to form the basis of new laws to be introduced in 2021, which would allow individual member states to choose which time zone they wish to observe – summertime or wintertime.

However, with the UK, including Northern Ireland, set to leave the European Union – and likely to keep seasonal clock changes – such a move could result in different time zones in Dublin and Belfast. This is one of the primary reasons Mr Flanagan is seeking to oppose the move, the Irish Daily Mail understands.

The minister’s view is that he would not support any measure which could result in different time zones on the island of Ireland. However, it is believed he also has concerns that the policy could result in a ‘patchwork’ of time zones across the EU.

While the move has significant support in some EU member states, Mr Flanagan is understood to have been swayed by a public consultation exercise undertaken by his department.

The study comprised an opinion poll, a public survey and submissions from key stakeholder groups.

It highlighted that while the public would generally favour brighter evenings in winter, 82% of those surveyed were not in favour of any measure that resulted in different time zones on the island.

Other stakeholder submissions raised concerns around agriculture, education, health, tourism, trade, utility costs and transport schedules.

It is understood that working groups in the UK have also opposed the proposal.