Government Locks in Winter Time Tradition: Clocks to Fall Back Every October!

Irish citizens will have to endure long dark winter afternoons for the foreseeable future as the government has confirmed that Winter Time will remain in place. Despite an EU directive allowing member states to keep the same time all year round, if they so choose, the Irish government has decided against it. Justice Minister Helen McEntee stated that the reason for this decision is the potential for two different time zones on the island of Ireland, with the Republic being an hour ahead of the six counties. Independent Galway TD Seán Canney had requested the government to abandon Winter Time, expressing disappointment with their stance. He highlighted the complaints he receives every year from constituents about the long winter evenings, which leave them feeling confined to their homes. Canney believes that having more light in the afternoon during the winter months would benefit a larger number of people. McEntee explained that member states are allowed to choose their standard time, but they must provide 18 months’ notice to the commission. She emphasized that Ireland does not support the proposal to abandon Winter Time, citing concerns about the potential confusion it could cause in the Single Market due to a patchwork of time zones across the EU. Discussions with member states on the proposal are ongoing.