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Lights on the popular East Belfast greenway were called for in 2019
Connor Lynch, 19 Apr
The Comber Greenway lights have been switched on as part of a trial scheme after years of complaints from users.
Users of the popular
East Belfast
greenway have been calling for lighting on certain sections of it for a number of years, due to it being difficult to use in the autumn and winter months as it is pitch black.
Last year the Department for Infrastructure started work to install red spectrum lighting along the greenway between the Beersbridge Road and the Billy Neill halt as part of a trial scheme.
At 10.30pm on Tuesday, April 18, the lights were finally switched on along the greenway.
Green Party councillor Anthony Flynn said that he has been campaigning for lighting on the greenway for a number of years and hopes that it will enhance the experience of for all users while minimising the impact on local wildlife and the environment.
Green Party councillor Anthony Flynn has said he is delighted the trial lighting scheme is now underway
He said: "The Comber Greenway is a vital community asset in East Belfast, enjoyed by residents who live along it and commuters who use it for walking and cycling."
"It has long been my objective as a representative for the area to see these lights installed, not only for the safety of users of the Greenway, but also to enhance the experience of the greenway and to make it more accessible."
"The use of low-level, red-spectrum lighting is important as research tells us this technology will have a much lesser impact on local wildlife such as insects and nocturnal animals who live along the greenway, during the public consultation period I requested that the department continuously monitor for any measurable impact on local wildlife and report on this."
The Department has said that the lighting scheme has been designed with the local environment in mind.
The new red spectrum lights on the Comber Greenway
A DfI spokesperson said on Tuesday: "A pilot lighting scheme along the urban section of the Comber Greenway goes live today.
"Following consultation and engagement with local residents, the new lights between Beersbridge Road and Billy Neill Halt have been programmed to operate during hours of darkness up to 10.30pm and after 6.00am.
"As well as providing a safer space for those who wish to walk, wheel or cycle all year round, the scheme has been designed with the local environment in mind. The design uses a red light spectrum to minimise disturbance to bat colonies, while back louvres on the light heads and shorter columns will minimise light spill into the hedgerows to shield wildlife and diminish light pollution into adjoining properties.
The new red spectrum lights on the Comber Greenway
"The pilot will be reviewed by the Department after two years and and will help form a decision on whether the scheme should be extended elsewhere."