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Tonight could be one of the last times we put the clocks forward

Square1
iRadio

05:36 30 Mar 2019


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The EU has proposed drawing an end to daylight-savings.

The clocks go forward this weekend - and it may be one of the last times it happens.

The government is considering the results of a consultation process on scrapping the seasonal ritual of 'spring forward and fall back'.

The European Parliament this week backed proposals to replace the twice-yearly clock change with a new system by March 2021.

It had originally proposed making the change this year, but that was extended to allow member states co-ordinating changes with neighbouring countries.

 

For Ireland, it's another Brexit dilemna.

A Europe-wide poll received 4.5 million responses - 84 percent in favour of switching permanently to either summer or winter time.

But justice minister, Charlie Flanagan, says it would present challenges for Ireland if the UK were to adopt a different position.

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach has said he wouldn't allow a situation where the North is in a different time zone to the rest of Ireland.

 

But one Irish MEP is supporting bringing an end to the practice of changing over between winter and summertime.

Sean Kelly is the only Irish MEP on the group which has been campaigning for the move for nearly a decade.

He says the 2021 date is a sensible choice:

"It allows countries times to adjust - to look at whether they want winter or summer time - and also neighbouring countries to basically discuss amongst themselves which is best.

I think that's going to be very important, especially for Ireland. Ireland, obviously, would want to be in the exact same position as the United Kingdom, especially with Northern Ireland..."

 

But for now, it stays the same as usual - so remember to change your clocks from 1am to 2am tonight!


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Charlie Flanagan Clocks EU European Parliament Leo Varadkar Sean Kelly