‘I’d light them tonight if I could’
It’s far too early and “very Irish of us” to be putting up Christmas lights and decorations this early in the year.
That’s according to Independent Cllr Danny Collins who feels that Cork County Council’s plan to switch Christmas lights on in towns around the county at 7pm this evening (Thursday) is “way too early”.
The plan was put in motion by Cork County Council as part of project ARCC (A Real Cork Christmas) designed to support businesses and communities as they deal with the ongoing restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Speaking at County Hall, Cllr Collins strongly advised the council to wait until at least 26 November before turning on the lights so that it might coincide with the country being lowered to Level 3 restrictions and businesses reopening.
Cllr Collins said: “We have to think of our businesses. We must think of parents who are under pressure at the moment. Switching on the lights on Thursday is way too early.”
He added: “Don’t prolong Christmas because it can be a tough time for a lot of people out there. I’m asking the council to reconsider this.”
Independent Cllr Frank Roche supported the request and said that he thought people were already under too much financial strain without drawing Christmas out for six weeks.
However, Mayor of County Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley strongly opposed the request stating that she would “light them tonight” if she could.
“I feel that any bit of happiness and brightness we can bring to people in the current state that we’re in should be done. We need some bit of brightness. We need some bit of festivity. It was a decision taken by us and it will happen,” she said.
She added: “We are dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic as a community, and even though this Christmas will be different, we will celebrate it as a community. By turning on a light, as simple as a single candle or complete Christmas makeover, you are showing that you stand with your neighbours, your friends and those who cannot get home.”
Everyone taking part is asked to share a picture of their light on social media using the hashtag #ARealCorkChristmas.