Christmas light connections costed for Laois town

The cost of connecting Christmas lights to the Rathdowney public lighting supply is being assessed.

So it emerged at a recent meeting in County Hall Portlaoise where Cllr John King, Fine Gael, raised the issue.

He tabled a motion calling on Laois County Council to support and advise the Rathdowney Christmas Lights committee on how to obtain a connection to the existing public light poles. He added that this was done in Abbeyleix

Cllr King said he told the Rathdowney Town Team that he and Cllr James Kelly would request the help of the council. He said that a meeting took place with an electrical contractor with a view to pricing the work with the assistance of Laois County Council. 

“Let's hope we have Rathdowney lit up for Christmas,” he said.

Cllr Kelly, Independent, said it would make a huge difference. He added that connection lights would be followed by fundraising for lights. He also praised the local Community Employment Scheme for their assistance. He said the Mountrath was also looking forward to getting new lights.

The Christmas Lights committee said in June 2023 that it's been over 20 years since the existing lights were installed and they need a major overhaul.

The issue was raised at the most meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.