Over 300 attend international event for 'underappreciated' Mayo asset
Newport church, taken after the light pollution was reduced where a sky full of stars can be clearly seen from the middle of town. Picture: Michael McLaughlin / Mayo Dark Sky for outdoors
A local councillor has urged Mayo County Council to ensure the potential of the county’s Dark Skies initiatives and projects are fully realised.
Cllr Peter Flynn told last week’s meeting of the Environment and Climate Change SPC of the success of the 9th International Artificial Light at Night Conference (ALAN), an international Dark Skies conference, that took place in Westport in late October.
He said that the Friends of Mayo Dark Skies group, who co-hosted the event, facilitated bringing over 300 delegates from 43 different countries to the county.
“We don’t fully appreciate what we have here in Mayo in terms of our Dark Skies,” he said.
“I want to thank the Friends of Mayo Dark Skies committee and Georgia MacMillan (chairperson) for bringing so many delegates to Mayo. This really is something with huge potential.”
