Laois town may not have Christmas tree if funding isn't raised

Happy faces at the switching on of Portarlington Christmas Tree lights on Sunday evening. Photo: Michael Scully.

placeholder image — Happy faces at the switching on of Portarlington Christmas Tree lights on Sunday evening. Photo: Michael Scully.

After 40 years of a Christmas tree in Portarlington, the town is struggling to fund the costs

Portarlington Christmas Tree Committee is appealing for funds to support the cost of the town's Christmas tree.

The town must raise €3,000 to support the electricity costs, insurance and maintenance of the tree this Christmas.

Portarlington Christmas Tree committee have been active for over 40 years, and have struggled to achieve their donation targets over the last several years.

In 2023, the community banded around the committee and helped raise over €2,500 of the €4,000 target.

"It’s that time of year again and we need your help," the committee announced this week.

"As preparation's start for planning for our Town’s Christmas tree 2024. In life nothing is free, neither is the running of the Town Christmas Tree," they said. — Portarlington Christmas Tree Committee is appealing for funds to support the cost of the town's Christmas tree. The town must raise €3,000 to support the electricity costs, insurance and maintenance of the tree this Christmas. Portarlington Christmas Tree committee have been active for over 40 years, and have struggled to achieve their donation targets over the last several years. In 2023, the community banded around the committee and helped raise over €2,500 of the €4,000 target. "It’s that time of year again and we need your help," the committee announced this week. "As preparation's start for planning for our Town’s Christmas tree 2024. In life nothing is free, neither is the running of the Town Christmas Tree," they said.

Portarlington Christmas tree. Pic: Brian Donagher

"We are a small volunteer group, we have been doing this for over 40 years, please support. Without you’re donations we can not provide the Town’s Christmas Tree so please give what you can, every bit helps," the committee appealed.

Committee volunteers are hoping to put up the Christmas tree on Saturday November 15, and switching on the lights on November 30. The tree will remain up in Portarlington until January 6.

"For this, we have to cover the cost of electricity, new bulbs, insurance and maintenance. Without funds, this is not possible," said the group.

"Please help us keep the Christmas spirt in our town again this Christmas, please support. We need your help," Portarlington Christmas Tree Committee appealed.

Those who wish to donate can do so on the group's GoFundMe page set up by Brian Donagher, or in Brian Whelan's on Portarlington's Main street.