Minister Calleary thanks those involved in lighting up Mayo town this Christmas

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary has thanked and congratulated all those involved in lighting up Ballina this Christmas.

“As the Christmas lights come down after a very busy and successful festive period for Ballina, I want to acknowledge and thank all those who contributed to the lighting of the town particularly the Let There Be Light committee and group of volunteers who worked tirelessly and selflessly for weeks in advance of Christmas erecting the lights across the town. It truly was a sterling effort in all kinds of weather.

“This was community spirit in action from the initial meetings of last January to the running of the first ever Ballina Pumpkin Patch, to the unforgettable turning on ceremony with Garron Noone, the Christmas Markets, Santa’s Grotto and the wonderful Light Up Winter Magic by the North Mayo UBU Youth Project - supplemented by the efforts of Ballina Community Clean Up, Ballina Tidy Towns, Jackie Clarke Collection and local Fianna Fáil volunteers (Cathedral Road Lights), Ballina was looking absolutely beautiful.

“I am delighted to have recently allocated €300,000 to Ballina from my Department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme for upgrade works to the lighting infrastructure across the town which will supplement and enhance even further the festive lighting display of 2026. The new system, once installed will allow for lighting schemes across the town that can be utilised at various times throughout the year. I am really pleased that this will enhance the exceptional efforts of our volunteers to whom we owe a great debt,” he said.

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