‘Grafton Street’s A Wonderland’
with Switch-on of Festive Lights!
Grafton Street was dazzling this evening after the switching-on of magnificent chandelier style energy efficient Christmas lights by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan TD at 5.30 pm (Thursday, 13th November 2008).
The energy efficient lights, which were first erected last year, are made of 65,000 LED (light emitting diode) bulbs and if put end to end, they would stretch 120 metres in length.
Speaking at the switching-on of the lights, Minister Ryan said: "Christmas is a very special time, remembrance of the past, togetherness for now and hope for the future. It is when we take stock of ourselves and enjoy each other. Grafton Street will be the centre of much of the Christmas rush of shopping and socialising. These lights represent the joy that remains and we should embrace despite our current difficulties.
“Christmas is also a time when our national grid surges as energy demand significantly increases. I am particularly pleased that these lights are energy efficient as well as using electricity from renewable resources. They maximise the visual impact while minimising their impact on the environment. I would encourage everyone who is lighting their homes this season to choose this climate and cost-friendly illumination. I am delighted that businesses on Grafton Street are setting a shining example of hope for the future." He said.
According to David McCormick, Grafton Street Christmas Lights Committee the dramatic lights are hoped to lift the spirits of those visiting or working in the city centre during the inclement Winter weather. “We want to make the city experience as enjoyable as possible for the hundreds of thousands of people who visit it each day. We also expect to see a greater return to the time old tradition of families coming into the city centre to see the dramatic lights.”
This year the festive lights are funded by the Dublin City Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the retailers, restaurateurs and businesses on Grafton Street. The lights are being supplied with complimentary electricity from renewable resources by power firm Energia, throughout Christmas.
Richard Guiney CEO of the Dublin City BID said “These beautiful lights coupled with the unique atmosphere at this time of year really do create a Grafton Street ‘winter wonderland’. We are delighted to be involved this year in what we believe is a great initiative to brighten the Winter evenings and is welcomed by all the people who work in, visit or shop in the street. I encourage everyone to bring the family and enjoy the magical sights and sounds of the city at this time of year.”
In partnership with the Grafton Street Christmas Lights Committee, Energia is providing power for the new lights as a Christmas gift to the people of Dublin. Tom Gillen, Managing Director of Energia commented: “We’re delighted to add a little extra sparkle to Grafton Street by powering the Christmas Lights with electricity from renewable resources. As strong believers in environmental sustainability we are very pleased that the lights are energy efficient. Grafton Street is a special place at Christmas and we hope it will be extra special this year for those walking along this historic street.”
Each year, the average daily footfall in the city centre increases to over 700,000 during the festive period – many of whom are attending the free events on offer but most of whom are there simply to enjoy the unique festive atmosphere of the Capital at this time of year. Earlier this month Dublin City Council, in partnership with the Dublin City Business Association launched its programme of family events for the city this festive season. Christmas movies; ice-skating; ‘panto’, story telling, musical recitals, carol singing and of course the annual visit to see Santa are just some of the activities available, many of them free for families to enjoy this Christmas.
