MEP calls for end to the biannual clock change by 2026

By Daniel O’Neill

One Irish MEP has again called on the practice of moving our clocks forward an hour in spring and back an hour in autumn to end by next year.

MEP for Ireland South and Leader of the Fine Gael Delegation in the European Parliament Seán Kelly has said the clock change’s abolition was voted for in 2019 with immense citizen support, yet years later it’s still active.

He’s calling for an end to the European Union’s biannual clock change for 2026. The next clock change is on 30 March when clocks go forward by an hour. “This outdated practice continues to disrupt our lives twice a year. We know that even a one-hour shift in our circadian rhythm has measurable negative effects. Studies link the clock change to increased rates of strokes, heart attacks, and sleep deprivation.

“Road traffic accidents rise by 6% after the springtime change. Productivity drops, workplace errors increase, and the negative effects disproportionately impact night-shift workers, children, and the elderly.”

Speaking about if daylight savings helps save energy costs, he said: “The idea that we are saving energy by changing the clocks no longer holds. Research shows any savings are negligible, often less than 1%, and in some cases, energy use actually increases. Businesses, particularly in transport and finance, face unnecessary costs adjusting to these changes.”

While there is debate on whether energy is saved because of daylights savings, many people report extra daylight has a positive impact on their wellbeing and the extra evening daylight helps reduce the risk of road accidents.

He said: “In 2018, the Commission’s public consultation saw an unprecedented 4.6 million responses, with 84% calling for an end to the clock change. The people of Europe have spoken, but they have been ignored for too long. I am calling for a renewed push, with a definitive deadline to end the clock change by 2026.

“The current system serves no one. We have the evidence, we have the public support, and if we have the political will - we will see change.”