As the end of October approaches, Ireland is set to adjust its clocks, marking the end of daylight saving time (DST) for 2024. On Sunday, 27th October, at 2:00 AM, clocks will be turned back one hour to 1:00 AM, giving people an extra hour of sleep and shifting daylight to the morning hours. This biannual ritual, however, continues to spark debate and calls for change across Europe.
Daylight saving time was first introduced in Ireland in 1916, following its implementation in Germany and the UK during World War I to conserve energy. The practice involves moving clocks forward by one hour in the spring (“spring forward”) and back by one hour in the autumn (“fall back”) to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer. This adjustment aims to provide more daylight in the evening hours, reducing the need for artificial lighting and thereby saving energy.
Despite the European Parliament’s 2019 vote to abolish seasonal clock changes by 2021, the implementation has been delayed, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the complexities of coordinating such a change across member states. A significant concern for Ireland is the potential for having two different time zones on the island, given Northern Ireland’s alignment with UK time.
Public opinion in Ireland shows a strong preference for ending the clock changes. A poll conducted by Amárach Research found that two-thirds of Irish people support abolishing DST, although 82% are against having different time zones between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The biannual clock changes have been linked to various health and safety issues. Studies suggest that the disruption to sleep patterns can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and traffic accidents. Seán Kelly, an MEP for Ireland South, has been a vocal advocate for ending the practice, citing these health risks and the outdated nature of the energy-saving argument. Kelly is leading a new campaign in the European Parliament to bring the issue back onto the political agenda, emphasising the broad support from MEPs across the political spectrum.
While the European Commission has not yet acted on the 2019 vote, the debate continues. Advocates for abolishing DST argue that the practice is no longer necessary in today’s world and that maintaining a consistent time year-round would simplify life for millions of people. However, any change would require careful coordination to avoid issues such as differing time zones within Ireland.
As Ireland prepares to “fall back” this October, the discussion around the future of daylight saving time remains active.
