HEATED words were had one again this week over the planning of festive season celebrations, with some local councillors hitting out at “contrived panic” and “political chicanery” around the Christmas in Limerick programme, which they believe has been unfair to local businesses, retailers, and the teams working hard to deliver it.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the argument, others believe that Mayor John Moran’s decision to withdraw funding for a proposed Christmas Market and street closures at the Crescent, on O’Connell Street, will ensure the city centre remains open, accessible, and vibrant throughout the season of good cheer.
So said Cathaoirleach of the Council’s Metropolitan District, Cllr Daniel Butler, after confirmation that preparations for Christmas in Limerick 2025 remain on schedule.
Elected members from the Metropolitan District received a private briefing from Council director general Dr Pat Daly and his team on the delivery of the programme this past Monday.
The Council said it continues to work in partnership with local community groups, businesses, and stakeholders to ensure a memorable Christmas experience for residents and visitors alike.
This year’s Christmas celebrations will include returning favourites such as the ice rink at Arthur’s Quay Park, along with a parade to mark the switching on of the city’s Christmas lights.
The Council also confirmed a proposal to locate a Christmas market at the Crescent will not proceed.
Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler welcomed the Council update confirming Christmas 2025 preparations are progressing, pledging that he will do “all I can to support its successful delivery”.
He also claimed the removal of the Mayor’s Christmas market plans and the cancelling of the Crescent road closures will “ensure our city centre remains open, accessible, and vibrant throughout the festive season”, saying that “Christmas is a crucial time for local traders”.
In an online post, Council Príomh Chomhairleoir Catherine Slattery (FF) said work was taking place to ensure Santa will come to Limerick City this year.
“The Mayor at the last minute handed over all responsibility for Christmas on September 24 to the Council’s director general Pat Daly. The Mayor would not sign off on plans for Christmas,” Cllr Slattery claimed.
Speaking to local media this week, Mayor John Moran said that he is involved in hundreds of ongoing works and doesn’t need to keep informed on what is planned for Limerick’s Christmas programme.
He said that the delegation of Christmas duties to Dr Daly would ensure Christmas in Limerick is delivered smoothly and as discussed with councillors, leaving him free to work on housing and other issues.
The Mayor added that he would like to start planning a Christmas market for 2026 next week to get ahead of things.
Meanwhile, Independent councillor Maria Donoghue hit out at what she described as a “contrived panic” around the Christmas in Limerick programme, deeming the political chicanery around it as unfair to local businesses, retailers, and the teams working hard to deliver it.
“At Monday’s briefing, LCCC confirmed in a presentation that every event planned by the Christmas sub-committee in July — which I was part of — is going ahead as planned. Nothing appears to have been cut or compromised,” Cllr Donoghue explained.
“LCCC has been steadily working on the festival in line with the timelines previously advised, and this consistent progress shows that recent alarm was misplaced and suggests political theatre rather than genuine concern.”
Cllr Donoghue said “the cancellation of the Crescent Christmas Market was a separate decision made by the Mayor when responsibility for the festival was passed to the executive in mid-September. Why road closures were still advertised last week — costing public money — needs to be explained.”
“Perhaps the executive is planning to continue with the road closures, but I have yet to receive full clarity on this issue,” she said.
“Our focus now must be on delivering a successful, festive season for the people of Limerick and supporting the local economy,” the City West representative insisted.
Labour Party councilor Padraigh Reale said after this Monday’s briefing that councillors cross-party have been working tirelessly to ensure Limerick has a magical Christmas.
“It has been frustrating at times but I am delighted to see a schedule of events come together,” Cllr Reale commented.
Social Democrats councillor Cllr Elisa O’Donovan told the Limerick Post she is feeling positive about Christmas 2025 after Monday’s briefing.
“One of the main issues I wanted to ensure was that local artists, organisations, and businesses were supported to host and run festive events,” she said.
“We have seen the huge success of Twilight Thursday and I am delighted that the Council executive have said they will allocate some additional funding to supporting community initiative. One such event I have requested funding for is Pet City’s annual Santa Paws event in the Wickham Way on Sunday November 23. My two rescue cats, Mittens and Socks, are really looking forward to it.”
Full details of Christmas in Limerick 2025 will be revealed shortly.
