Ballina Christmas Lights Committee hits back at criticism of lighting project ahead of festive switch-on

The Ballina Christmas Lights Committee has defended its work on the town’s festive lighting project following comments by Cllr Michael Loftus, which it says have led to negative and misleading headlines.

The Committee chairperson Paul Bourke said recent media coverage had failed to recognise the fundraising, personal commitment and unpaid work that went into delivering the project.

The group was formed following a public meeting at the Ballina Manor Hotel in January 2025, called in response to widespread disappointment at the lack of Christmas lighting in the town the previous year.

Following the meeting, local volunteers came together with the aim of improving the town’s Christmas lighting and ensuring that the previous situation would not be repeated.

The committee subsequently approached Ballina Municipal District Council and requested a meeting to discuss taking responsibility for the Christmas lights as part of a three-year project.

The council welcomed the proposal and outlined the funding that could be made available through an allocated budget.

However, the committee said it quickly became clear that the funding alone would not be sufficient to deliver the standard of lighting it wanted for Ballina.

Volunteers therefore organised additional fundraising activities, raising considerably more than the initial allocation to purchase extra lights, decorations and equipment.

The committee said it also independently covered the costs of insurance, hoist hire and essential materials, including wiring and fittings.

It highlighted the contribution of volunteers who gave up their own time to erect, install and wire the decorations, often working in cold, wet and difficult conditions.

“Not one member of this committee received payment for their time or work,” Mr Bourke said. “We gave countless hours, working day and night, in cold, wet and challenging conditions, all to deliver something positive for Ballina. And we succeeded.”

The committee said it was proud of what had been achieved through the combined efforts of volunteers, supporters, local businesses and the wider community.

It expressed disappointment that recent comments and headlines risked creating the impression that the project had been delivered using public funding alone, without significant additional contributions.

“A significant portion of what was achieved came from our own fundraising efforts, the generosity of the local community and countless unpaid volunteer hours,” the statement said.

The committee stressed that its members had not become involved for recognition, payment or personal gain, but because they wanted to see Ballina looking its best at Christmas.

It also suggested that similar volunteer-led initiatives could benefit other towns, inviting Councillor Loftus to consider bringing a group together in Crossmolina.

“We would be delighted to see other towns benefit from the same community spirit and volunteer commitment,” Mr Bourke said. “We did it for the love of our town, and we are proud of what we achieved.”

Getting ready to light up

The Ballina Christmas Lights Committee said its volunteers have made a start on the installation, adding that excitement was building ahead of the big switch-on.

A major Christmas celebration is planned for Sunday, November 22, in Market Square, with festivities getting underway at 3pm.

The event is expected to feature an afternoon of Christmas entertainment, festive cheer and activities for all the family.

The committee is also appealing for volunteers with an electrical background who would be willing to contribute their time and skills to help get the town ready for Christmas. Anyone interested is asked to contact the group through its social media page.