Better lighting and 60% energy savings

Signify has equipped Dublin Port Tunnel with energy-efficient LED lighting for all its 1800 light points in the tunnel. The upgraded lighting has achieved up to 60% reduction in electricity use (based on 2022 rates), or the equivalent of the electricity consumed by up to 300 Irish households1.

The upgrade has enabled the tunnel to operate with reduced costs, lower emissions and a reduced impact on grid congestion. The project is expected to save anything up to €4 million in electricity costs, including VAT, over the coming five years. Uniquely, the installation involved reusing the existing fittings for all light points. So, this means that the project contributes to a more circular economy, saving an estimated €3 million as opposed to opting for a new LED infra-structural installation.

Tunnel maintenance operator ERTO was instructed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to find a solution that would reduce energy costs and improve the quality of light in the tunnel. Signify’s LED retrofit solution was selected for its ease of replacement and impressive cost savings, which are especially significant in the context of the current energy crisis.

Given that the tunnel is a dedicated route for heavy goods vehicles between the Port and the greater road network via the Coolock Lane Interchange (M50), the LED lighting project also aims to improve visibility and safety in the tunnel. The project is part of the Irish government’s energy efficiency plans and was partially funded through the European Green Deal.

The Installers made use of the existing high-quality housings, which were all retested and CE marked to current standards, and fitted with Philips METIS 2816 LED insert trays. As the new lights were made to perfectly fit the existing fittings, installation was completed with minimal disruption to road users. Installers worked during late night and early morning hours over five weeks, with each lantern taking just five minutes to strip out and replace. Reusing materials also kept the project’s capital expense to a minimum.

Dermot Deely, Managing Director, Signify Ireland, said: “With public lighting accounting for 24% of Dublin Council’s energy expenditure, energy efficiency projects like this one can make an enormous positive impact. Through a relatively simple upgrade, we’ve been able to improve light quality, cost, maintenance, and sustainability for Dublin Port Tunnel. We are particularly proud to have supported these environmental goals while giving a second life to many of the materials that were already in place.”

Reference

1. Data presented here is a simulation within the framework of the Green Switch conventional light point conversion model. This is a programme run by Signify to help its customers accelerate the switch to energyefficient lighting products, lighting systems and lighting services.

LEDVANCE wants to make the transition to future-proofed LED technology as easy as possible for wholesalers, installers, electrical planners and professional users. So, in addition to practical LED equivalents for almost every application, it will be offering its professional range of LED lamps under its own name in future.