Mayo Dark Sky Park was accredited as an International Dark Sky Park on 4th May 2016 and is the only National Park in Ireland to be recognised as an International Dark-Sky Park with gold tier for the quality of its night skies. However, light pollution knows no boundaries and continues to spread across Ireland. In working to reduce light pollution, we are not just protecting a landscape, but safeguarding a critical environmental resource that impacts wildlife, human health, and our connection to the natural world. Over 50% of Irish residents can no longer see the Milky Way from their homes, and most of the population lives under degraded nightscapes where light pollution has created artificially bright conditions at night A stark reminder of why our work is crucial.
In Mayo, we have noted how excess artificial lighting encroaches into conservation areas, disrupting ecosystems and creating barriers for wildlife. The map of county Mayo below (kindly produced by JCWL GeoPark), shows protected us how Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protected Areas (SPAs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) are impacted by light pollution. These internationally important areas of conservation value are safeguarded under the EU Habitats Directive, which established the Natura 2000 network incorporating SACs, SPAs and NHAs.
IUCN Resources on Light Pollution and Biodiversity
Early this year, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) issued a report on the World at Night and the consequences of light pollution. This report not only describes the effects of excessive artificial lighting but also provides guidelines for dark sky conservation in various settings, including urban areas, natural landscapes, and heritage sites. The IUCN Red List of Threatened species is another valuable resource and provides a searchable database for assessing extinction risks of various biological species and includes a search for threatened species affected by light pollution.
Mayo; A Dark Sky County
In order to protect the precious resource of natural darkness, and to recognise other natural nightscapes in the region, we are collaborating on a project to achieve an International Dark Sky Reserve for County Mayo.
This this ambitious project can be achieved by implementing responsible outdoor lighting practices, underpinned by a county wide policy to reduce Mayo’s light pollution. Responsible lighting improves conditions for pedestrians and road users by reducing excess glare and inappropriate lighting levels, resulting in nightscapes that are visually attractive and inviting as well as environmentally friendly. Achieving an International Dark Sky Reserve status for the county positions Mayo as a leading dark sky destination for dark sky tourism.
Contact us for more information on how to improve lighting conditions at night and for more information on our dark sky work in Mayo.
Georgia MacMillan
Mayo Dark Sky Park Development Officer
IRC Employment Based PhD Scholar in partnership with NPWS and University of Galway
Mayo Dark Sky Park / Wild Nephin National Park
#HalfTheParkIsAfterDark #ResearchIreland
An accredited International Dark Sky Park with the Dark Sky International