EU to stop our clocks going back & forward
THE clocks going back and forward could soon be a thing of the past, it has emerged.
The European Commission is pushing for the system to be ditched after a citizens’ consultation.
President Jean-claude Juncker said if it is what the people want “we will
make it happen”. He added: “We carried out a survey, millions responded and believe that in future summer time should be year-round, and that’s what will happen.
“I will recommend to the commission that, if you ask the citizens, then you have to do what the citizens say.
“We will decide on this and then it will be the turn of the member states and the European Parliament.”
If the change comes about it could mean Ireland has a different time than the UK after Brexit.
Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune said she is in favour of scrapping the clocks changing entirely claiming it’s “a relic from a bygone era that no longer serves a useful purpose”. She added: “Having brighter evenings in winter would lead to improved outcomes for road safety as the roads are statistically more dangerous from the hours of 4-7pm.
“There are obvious economic benefits such as reduced energy consumption because of less need for artificial light in the evenings with a consequent reduction in CO2 emissions. Brighter evenings in winter would have a positive benefit for public health.” Her colleague Sean Kelly said: “We asked citizens to have their say, and they have responded emphatically.
“The Commission will need to listen to those who engaged in this consultation and take the steps to abolish the clock change. This is real democracy in action and I am very proud of what has been achieved throughout this process.”