Strong winds cause Christmas light installation incident in Drogheda

Louth County Council crews responded to an incident at the junction of West St, St Peter’s St and St Laurence St in Drogheda on Friday afternoon, where strong winds caused a large Christmas light installation to fall.

Louth County Council said that the anchorage point supporting the catenary-style festive lights at the Tholsel crossroads broke free from its structural base, dislodging bricks and a capping stone from the fourth-floor level. These materials fell to the ground, striking the windscreen of a passing car. Thankfully, it added, no pedestrians were injured, and the driver of the car sustained no serious injuries.

Council staff managed traffic and, using a cherry picker, promptly cleared the scene. A structural engineer from Louth County Council is currently investigating the failed anchorage point to assess whether any other loose bricks, mortar, or capping stones require securing.

Louth County Council says that the affected junction will remain closed until engineers confirm that all high-level elements are safe. Diversion routes and signage will be in place, and we ask motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area until further notice. Updates will be provided once the road is reopened.

Louth County Council said it would like to clarify that Christmas lights in Drogheda and Dundalk are owned and installed by the respective BIDS companies on behalf of local traders. These companies are responsible for the installation, management, and removal of festive lighting throughout the season.

Louth County Council says it supports Christmas festivities in our principal towns by covering electricity costs for lights in Dundalk, Drogheda, and Ardee.

It added that it will continue to assist Drogheda BIDS with the cleanup and any necessary follow-up actions to ensure the area remains safe for the public.