FINE Gael councillor Olivia O’Sullivan was full of the festive spirit as she called on the Council to consider a Christmas lights trail event in the People’s Park in Limerick City.
At this month’s Metropolitan District meeting, Cllr O’Sullivan asked the local authority to look at such an event as part of the Christmas in Limerick offering.
“This would be a fantastically illuminated, self-guided trail of colourful lighting and projections leading around the park, with some giant props and music along the way,” she told the council executive.
“Outdoor walking lightshow trails are very successful in other locations, from open parks and gardens to more compact areas, and we have a very suitable gated city park with winding looped walkways in the People’s Park to do something of this nature.
“We have seen how successful other events have been in the park from concerts to theatre, and it would bring Georgian Limerick into the Christmas offering too.
“It shouldn’t take Angela’s Christmas on Netflix to hit the nostalgic buttons for festive times in this historic area,” the City North representative insisted.
According to Cllr O’Sullivan, these light shows rate highly for atmosphere, accessibility, and safety.
“A magical lightshow experience for families, couples, or anyone looking to wrap up in winter woollies for a short walk lapping up a festive atmosphere. It would add hugely to the offering for Christmas in Limerick. Special sensory evenings could be also offered for those with autism or sensory processing disorders.
“Limerick will have Christmas lights displays of projections on King John’s Castle as well as Cleeves this year, which I welcome, and my request is that we build on this to grow Limerick’s lightshows for future festive seasons.”
Many people, the Fine Gael woman went onto say, were disappointed to hear that the Light Up Limerick event for the turning on of the Christmas lights in the city was not going ahead this year.
“My own family used to love it. I have brought my children to it every year it took place, it felt like the official start of the Christmas season in Limerick, and it got thousands of families into the city centre for the occasion.”
In response, director of service Gordon Daly said: “Unfortunately the Council are not in a position to implement a light trail for Christmas 2023. However it can be investigated in regard to Christmas 2024.”
