How much for the lights ? - The 'eyewatering cost' of a Limerick town's Christmas lights

SINN FÉIN Councillor PJ Carey has criticised what he described as the “eye-watering” cost of Christmas lights in Kilmallock, after it emerged that the festive lighting bill amounted to approximately €82,700.

Speaking about the issue, Cllr Carey said the price tag was difficult to justify at a time when both commercial rates and Local Property Tax (LPT) are increasing.

He argued that local authorities should be especially mindful of how public money is spent when households and businesses are already under financial pressure.

According to Cllr Carey, the lighting contract was awarded to 'DMAC' a company that also provides Christmas lights in O’Connell Street in Limerick city and in Newcastle West.

While acknowledging the importance of festive decorations for towns, he said the scale of the cost was excessive and sent the wrong message to local businesses.

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He noted that businesses are being asked to absorb higher commercial rates, while homeowners are facing annual increases in LPT, with many unaware that the tax can rise by up to 15 per cent year on year.

Against that backdrop, he said, spending more than €80,000 on Christmas lights was “a hard sell”.

Cllr Carey added that such a sum could make a meaningful difference if directed towards housing or other essential services, and he signalled his intention to raise the matter further with council officials.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme