A Clare TD has lauded the government's plan to phase out traditional lightbulbs - saying the move would deliver significant savings for Midwest households.

Minister of State Tony Killeen pointed out that the scheme would primarily help reduce to greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change.

Mr Killeen was commenting after Environment Minister John Gormley launched a consultation paper on a proposed energy efficiency and performance standard for light bulbs.

The consultation paper outlines details of the proposed standard that will be introduced on a phased basis over a number of years.

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"The new generation of energy-efficient lights will cost Midwest consumers more but return their investment in a few months. The changeover will get us in line with the rest of the advanced industrial world in moving toward more efficient lighting," said Mr Killeen.

"This announcement by Minister Gormley will help the Midwest reduce its carbon emissions, while it will also support the Government in achieving Ireland’s Kyoto commitments.

"Locally, the Midwest region could face a €62m bill in carbon levy by 2010 unless immediate remedial actions such as that proposed by the government are taken," he added.

The types of bulbs which will not meet the proposed standard will no longer be available on the Irish market.

The first phase will be introduced in March 2009 and will apply to bulbs of 75W and above.

(PR/JM)