Public meeting on new replacement of Mountmellick Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree in Mountmellick, since removed, is to get a more environmentally friendly replacement.

placeholder image — The Christmas tree in Mountmellick, since removed, is to get a more environmentally friendly replacement.

'Climate friendly' plan to replace Laois town's famous Christmas tree

The Mountmellick public are to have a say in what will replace their famous Christmas tree.

The 65 foot tall steel pole of the semi-natural tree had to come down last year for safety reasons, having been found to be dangerously rusty after decades of use.

While the dedicated volunteer committee placed a beautiful, smaller, real tree glistening with white lights in O'Connell Square for Christmas 2023, beside the traditional crib, they have bigger plans for Christmasses to come.

Photo from the Mountmellick Christmas Tree Facebook page.

They have announced The Valley Star Project, an "ambitious plan to realise a climate-friendly Christmas Tree" and all will be revealed at a launch in the town on Friday, January 19.

"The launch event is open to the public and everybody is welcome to find out more about how through creative engagement and process, the people of Mountmellick can participate in the research and exploration of possibilities for a new and permanent climate-friendly Christmas Tree - creating a lasting legacy for generations to come, and making Mountmellick a better, brighter place for all, and a testament to the strength of its community," they say.

The launch will be in The Balcony Theatre at Mountmellick Community Arts Centre on Friday January 19, at 7pm. Refreshments will be provided.

The committee say that The Valley Star Project is one of 43 projects across the country (and the only initiative in Co. Laois) selected for funding support under the Creative Climate Action Fund II.

The programme for creative, cultural and artistic initiatives under the Creative Climate Action Fund II is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of the Taoiseach.