Diners in the dark: Dublin to switch off for Earth Hour

DINERS at the Four Seasons in Dublin will be digging into their food by candlelight only tonight as the hotel’s restaurant switches off its lights for a major global environmental campaign.

Between 8pm and 9pm the capital will join dozens of cities across the globe taking part in Earth Hour to raise awareness about climate change.

The eatery will be plunged into darkness for the entire evening save for candles on the tables while lighting at numerous city landmarks will also be powered off.

Galway and Limerick city councils, as well as 15 town and county councils around the country, have also signed up for the initiative.

Dublin Lord Mayor Paddy Bourke yesterday made a final plea for residents and businesses to take part and switch off all non-essential lights and electrical equipment.

“I am delighted with the support from Dublin City Council who will be switching off the lights on 13 of the 14 bridges that cross the Liffey,” he said.

“Local businesses are being urged by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce to get involved.”

“The Office of Public Works has agreed to switch off lights at the Customs House, the Four Courts, Áras an Úachtaráin, the courtyard in Government buildings and the floodlights at Leinster House.

“Just by switching off all non-essential lights we can help make a big difference,” he said.

The Four Seasons said it has taken numerous bookings for the evening.

Director of Marketing Aline FitzGerald said: “We believe it is a fantastic initiative that will raise awareness of the threat of global warming.”

The first Earth Hour took place in Sydney last year with more than two million people taking part before spreading to become an international event for 2008.

Other cities involved this year will include Manila, Dubai and San Francisco.