The fitting of the 2,500th lantern has marked the passing of the half-way stage in Douglas Borough Council’s project to convert the Borough’s street lighting to LED units.

Launched in February 2017 the £1.5 million capital investment scheme is projected to achieve energy savings of around £2.7 million over the lanterns’ 15-year warranty period and led to the Council winning the Biggest Saving in the public sector category in the Department of Economic Development’s 2017 Energy Awards. By the end of the scheme 4,400 new energy-saving lanterns will have been fitted.

 Councillor McNicholl, second left, with Electrical Services Manager Donal Cullen, John Russell Dunne, Paul Killey and Assistant Electrical Services Manager Andy Butterworth

Original proponent of the scheme and keen supporter of cost-saving energy reduction measures Environmental Services Committee Chair Councillor Ritchie McNicholl said: ‘These intelligent energy-efficient LED lanterns lower wattage consumption significantly. They not only reduce energy use and fuel costs but also require less maintenance. They offer safety benefits as well, in that LED lanterns produce a whiter light, which gives clearer colour definition, improve night-time vision for pedestrians and road users and also help to create a heightened sense of security.

‘Our Electrical Services Manager Donal Cullen and his team are to be congratulated on delivering this major scheme which deservedly gained public recognition last year. It is a project that will not only bring savings benefits but also supports a key objective of the Council’s corporate plan, which is to make Douglas a desirable place to live, work and visit.’