Daylight saving: a brief history of time

IN his letter (April 12), Patrick Browne makes a good case for retaining summertime all year round.

Britain and Ireland experimented with it from 1968 to ’71.

Many teachers complained that children had to leave for school in the dark on winter mornings, frequently in bad weather. It was also much colder before daylight.

It was difficult to begin a day’s work in darkness on building sites. Postmen, council workers and delivery men all suffered badly. Scottish farmers also complained. Changing the clocks resumed in 1972.

Portugal moved to Central European Time in 1992, but reverted to Greenwich Mean Time in 1996.

The energy savings were small.

Portuguese insurance companies reported a rise in the number of accidents.

There are many factors to consider before enforcing daylight saving time during the winter months.

Michael Mernagh

Raheens

Carrigaline

Co Cork