A deal has been reached for a €53 million public lighting project in the South West Region.

Contracts have been signed for the Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project (PLEEP), with five local authorities investing in the key upgrades. Led by Cork County Council, PLEEP South West will upgrade 77,162 public lights across the region's local authorities, Cork County Council, Clare County Council, Kerry County Council, Limerick City & County Council and Waterford City & County Council, as well as Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Part of a National Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project, 21 local authorities will collaborate in the upgrading of approximately 220,000 public lights to LED. Once complete, the project is set to reduce CO2 emissions by 22,000 tonnes each year, while saving the local authorities €12m in energy and maintenance costs annually.

Speaking about the project, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Gillian Coughlan said: "Once complete, the South West regional project is predicted to reduce CO2 emissions by 5,000 tonnes each year, while saving the five local authorities €5m in energy and maintenance costs annually and helping to meet energy efficient targets. The project will also survey and collect data on the condition of the public lighting infrastructure to enable local authorities to plan and invest in the upgrading of public lighting for our communities into the future."

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Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey commented: "Cork County Council is proud to lead the first phase of the national Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project. Local authorities are committed to leading on climate action, reducing carbon emissions in our operations and meeting our energy efficiency targets. This project takes a big step in that direction as public lighting currently accounts for half of all the energy used by local authorities. Retrofitting public lighting to LED is not only good for the planet, it will also save us up to 55% on our energy and maintenance costs, while improving light quality. Advancements in LED technology allow for an improved visual environment, enhanced public safety and reduced light pollution."

Noel Cummins, Contracts Director, Le Cheile Consortium, Enerveo added: "On behalf of the Le Chéile Consortium, we are delighted to be leading the first phase of the Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project alongside Cork County Council. The project highlights the commitment of both the region and the government to climate action and the need for urgent measures to be taken and will have a positive impact on every community across the South West Region by improving light quality, reducing CO2 emissions and having a significant impact on energy costs of up to 55%. All of the companies involved in the consortium have a long history providing energy saving solutions to Local Authorities across Ireland, and we look forward to commencing the project and contributing towards a more sustainable Ireland by making it both smarter and greener."

Following a competitive tender process, the contract for the Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project South West Region (PLEEP-SW) was signed between Cork County Council and Le Chéile Consortium, comprised of Enerveo Ireland Ltd, Al Read Electrical Ireland Ltd & Electric Skyline Ltd.