THE Council has delivered an “ambitious” plan for Christmas 2025 in Limerick.
That was the view from enthused local councillors this week.
Members of the Metropolitan District received a briefing in the Merchant’s Quay chambers on Monday of the festive programme, which has a theme of ‘Together for Christmas in Limerick’.
Sold to city Council members as the Treaty City’s “best ever” yuletide offering, local representatives were well enamoured with the plans, including the ‘Leave A Light On’ campaign, in which a number of city businesses were incentivised to leave their lights on until after midnight to make revellers feel safer on the city streets during the festive period.
Councillors, who could find little good to say about Christmas in recent weeks, gushing over the range of events including the Nicholas Street Winter Garden, a charity wren walk, Christmas street art, Santa Paws, a vintage toy window, Light Up Limerick, and more.
Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan told Council management that she considered it “fantastic” to see so much happening over Christmas.
Her party colleague Cllr Shane Hickey-O’Mara was surprised at the level of ambition considering the very public upheaval over plans for Christmas 2025.
“I think it’s really ambitious, and I really didn’t think we would have that kind of ambition this year. It’s really lovely to see,” he said.
Independent councillor Ursula Gavan liked the idea of children’s artwork being displayed in the city but felt there was also a need for teenagers to get a look in this Christmas, saying that “I know Christmas is for children, but it actually is for everybody”.
Labour Party councillor Joe Leddin felt the Council’s Christmas plans were “very impressive”.
He also told the executive that city traders are greatly encouraged by the work being done in recent months in terms of the City Centre Retail Forum.
“They’re very encouraged by what’s planned over the Christmas period. I think it’s all about us collectively actually supporting and creating awareness of the various different activities and events that are on,” Cllr Leddin suggested.
Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District, Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler, called on all Council members to work together to ensure Christmas is a success.
“I think it’s important to make this a success, but also for the salvation of a lot of businesses that are fighting and facing challenging times. This is a key time for businesses in the city centre. This is what may help them survive the year,” Cllr Butler concluded.