Energy crisis won't stop Mullingar's Christmas lights being switched on this year

Electricity prices may be hitting record highs as we come into winter but with 100 days to go to Christmas many people will be comforted to hear that it won't stop Mullingar's lights from going on this year.

According to reports in the national media, Christmas lights in some towns and cities could be dimmed this year due to spiralling energy costs, but in Mullingar it's “all systems go”, according to John Cochrane, chairman of Mullingar Enhancement Group, the voluntary body which oversees the erection and maintenance of the town's lights.

“We purchased new LED lights only two years ago. They are low energy bulbs.”

Mr Cochrane says that he and his colleagues in the Mullingar Enhancement Group,which was formed in 2019, feel that the turning on of the lights plays an important role in getting local people into the Christmas spirit and brightens up the town.

“We feel they are very important. They give people a lift. Even during Covid when businesses were shut the lights went on in the town and they gave people a lift,” he said.