East Meath libraries could see introduction of light-therapy boxes
Library users in east Meath could soon have access to light-therapy boxes during the winter months.
At the March meeting of Laytown-Bettystown Municipal District, councillors backed a proposal by Sinn Féin councillor Maria White, who called on Meath County Council to purchase and install the devices in district libraries “to support community wellbeing, particularly during the darker months of the year.”
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr White described the proposal as “pretty common sense,” arguing that even a small amount of light in a public space such as a library could help people’s mental health.
She added that she hoped the council could identify funding, noting that the initiative was not going to be “cost prohibitive” and could be a “win-win” for local wellbeing.
She also said she would be willing to use her discretionary funding towards the project if other funding could not be secured.
Light-therapy boxes are bright lamps designed to mimic natural daylight, which can be limited in winter, and are commonly used to help manage seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, the Health Service Executive (HSE) says evidence of their overall effectiveness is mixed.
Independent councillor Carol Lennon said she had seen the positive effects of light therapy first-hand.
“I didn’t believe it worked, but I can attest that it does work,” she said, adding that it would also be “low cost.”
Fianna Fáil councillor Stephen McKee supported the motion, saying that while he was not familiar with the devices, it was “another facility to help people with their mental health.”
Fine Gael councillor Sharon Tolan suggested the project could be funded through the Healthy Ireland Fund, adding she would also be open to using discretionary funding if necessary.
The council confirmed that light-therapy boxes are not currently included in the 2026 library budget, but said the library service would investigate funding opportunities and liaise with other local authorities that offer the devices.