€500k Christmas lights 'an antidote'...
The capital's Christmas lights this year have cost a staggering €500,000, but are being offered as an "antidote to the recession".
The launch of the Christmas lights may be one of the most honoured traditions of the festive season, but this year's half-a-million-euro price tag has raised eyebrows.
Funds for the lights, which will be launched in the capital next week, have been provided by the Dublin City Business Improvement District (BID) and Bord Gais, in partnership with a number of retailers on Henry Street.
Although spending is tight as the country spirals further into recession, and costs are cut everywhere, this seasonal tradition is one that Dubliners will not have to say goodbye to.
Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin City BID said: "Christmas in Dublin is a magical experience.
"The enchanting atmosphere is unmissable and is something that people travel from all over the world each year to enjoy and experience. It is, of course, a substantial investment, but the lights are all energy-efficient.
"We're using LED lights, which last up to 10 years, and if it's taken over a period of time, it's quite good value for money."
Mr Guiney went on to say that the investment is part of an incentive to remind people of more spirited times.
"Times are tough, there's no doubt about that," he said. "We want people to come into the city and be happy.
"It's something of an antidote to the recession."
Bord Gais will also be paying for the electricity costs.
David Bunworth, the managing director of Bord Gais Energy said: "We are delighted to be involved in the Christmas festivities.
Given the very successful year that we have had with the Big Switch campaign, we felt that it would be nice to give something back."
Report by Caitlin McBride - Evening Herald.
The capital's Christmas lights this year have cost a staggering €500,000, but are being offered as an "antidote to the recession".
The launch of the Christmas lights may be one of the most honoured traditions of the festive season, but this year's half-a-million-euro price tag has raised eyebrows.
Funds for the lights, which will be launched in the capital next week, have been provided by the Dublin City Business Improvement District (BID) and Bord Gais, in partnership with a number of retailers on Henry Street.
Although spending is tight as the country spirals further into recession, and costs are cut everywhere, this seasonal tradition is one that Dubliners will not have to say goodbye to.
Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin City BID said: "Christmas in Dublin is a magical experience.
"The enchanting atmosphere is unmissable and is something that people travel from all over the world each year to enjoy and experience. It is, of course, a substantial investment, but the lights are all energy-efficient.
"We're using LED lights, which last up to 10 years, and if it's taken over a period of time, it's quite good value for money."
Mr Guiney went on to say that the investment is part of an incentive to remind people of more spirited times.
"Times are tough, there's no doubt about that," he said. "We want people to come into the city and be happy.
"It's something of an antidote to the recession."
Bord Gais will also be paying for the electricity costs.
David Bunworth, the managing director of Bord Gais Energy said: "We are delighted to be involved in the Christmas festivities.
Given the very successful year that we have had with the Big Switch campaign, we felt that it would be nice to give something back."
Report by Caitlin McBride - Evening Herald.