To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will consider amending the Department’s policy in relation to the provision of street lighting to include public roads, regardless of classification, going to and from railway stations.

I am conscious that street lighting can contribute significantly to feelings of personal security and safety, particularly for women travelling at night. This is an important consideration when officials are developing proposals to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities to key destinations with the aim of encouraging modal shift, such as routes to railway halts.

However, the desire for lighting has to be balanced against environmental considerations, our desire to reduce the carbon footprint, electricity costs associated with our infrastructure, and limited budgets. Decisions on provision or removal of lighting are made taking account of these considerations.