Newcastle West will be lit up for Christmas after Limerick City and County Council confirmed officially on Saturday 26th November 2016 that they had bought the lighting system for the county town.
The state-of-the-art lights have been bought by Limerick City and County Council from Rossa Lighting in Couth Meath for €65,000.
The local authority confirmed it has completed the necessary contracts and as of Saturday 26th November the lights are now officially in the ownership of the Newcastle West Lighting Committee - coinciding with the turning on of the lights for 2016.
The decision to purchase the lights brings an end to the annual uncertainty about whether Newcastle West will have Christmas lights.
The Lighting Committee is a joint venture between Newcastle West Chamber of Commerce and Newcastle West Business Association. They will have responsibility for the electricity, storage, maintenance and upkeep of the lights.
The lights will be turned on this afternoon (Sat 26 Nov 2016) at 4.30pm by Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District Cllr John Sheahan, marking the official start of Christmas in the county town.
There will be a festive atmosphere in the town with carol singers and of course a visit from Santa Claus, as he checks to see if all the boys and girls are being naughty or nice.
Cllr John Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of the Newcastle West Municipal District said: “I’m delighted that negotiations have concluded and contracts for the purchase of the lights have been signed. I put forward the proposal to buy the lights outright and the council has now followed through. I wish the Business Association and the Chamber all the best and hope the lights will act as a beacon for prosperity and inclusivity for the county town and its hinterland.”
Seamus Hunt, member of the Newcastle West Lighting Committee said: “The committee is delighted with the outcome and support we have received from the council. I think it’s an excellent example of what can be achieved when groups come together and work with the council. Look at what we have down for the town. It’s a major step along the way but need to continue to raise funds and get the support of the business community and the wider public to maintain the lights into the future.”
Gordon Daly, Director of Services at Limerick City and County Council and Area Director for the Newcastle West Municipal District said: "The purchase of the Christmas lights along with other recent initiatives and investment such as funding for town renewal works, the Great Southern Trail and the Regional Athletics Hub are all part of the wider commitment of Limerick City and County Council to working with the community and business interests in Newcastle West to advance the social, economic and physical development of the county town and its hinterland.”
