Clonmel traders appeal for public funding for Christmas lights to catch up with neighbouring towns

Traders have warned that Clonmel cannot compete with neighbouring towns like Waterford, Kilkenny and Dungarvan at Christmas unless serious investment is provided for street lighting,

A Clonmel Town Centre Forum  delegation told members of Clonmel Borough Council that significant public funding was required to bring Clonmel up to the level of neighbouring towns where serious investment had been made.

Conor Moroney told members of the Borough Council at their November meeting that they would be coming back to the authority early in the new year to inform them that the future funding of Christmas lights in the town had to be tackled.

“The bar has been raised all around us” Conor Moroney told members of the council referring to the investments made in Waterford,Kilkenny and Dungarvan.

He warned members that the current system,which relies on voluntary contributions  in the five streets involved, was unsustainable.There was a deficit this year.

Conor Moroney said  that public funding was urgently needed and they would come back to the council in the new year with a costed proposal.

“We have to compete with these towns where there has been serious public funding for lighting and a huge effort has been put in” he said.

More Clonmel News - Former museum building is up for sale!