The majority of Northern Ireland councils have confirmed there are no plans to reduce the hours their Christmas lights are operating this year.
Many explained to Belfast Live that energy-efficient LED lights are to be used where possible, whilst Fermanagh and Omagh council are reviewing their plans following the cancellation of their Halloween fireworks displays due to "financial pressures".
It comes as Dublin Town, the city centre's Business Improvement District which stretches from Parnell Street to St Stephen's Green, said all of their Christmas lights are low energy LED lighting which are regulated by time clocks so the time the lights are illuminated on each street is controlled, reports Dublin Live.
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Dublin Live previously reported how there are plans to cut the amount of time Dublin city's Christmas lights stay on.
Dublin Town CEO Richard Guiney told 98fm: "Traditionally they would go on at about 2'o'clock in the afternoon and stay until about 4'o'clock the following morning so we probably will reduce the hours so that they'll go on at say 4'o'clock in the afternoon and go off at one or two in the morning."
Derry City and Strabane District Council said they will have their Christmas lights switched off by midnight.
Here is what each council said about their Christmas lights plans for 2022.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
A spokesperson said: "The Council remains committed to the delivery of Christmas lighting across the Borough.
"We believe this is important for the quality of life of our residents, but also to support our businesses and tourism sectors by attracting shoppers and visitors to our town centres, bringing positive economic benefits.
"Therefore we have no plans to scale back our Christmas lights this year."
Ards and North Down Borough Council
A spokesperson said: "The Council uses energy-efficient LED lights where possible. There are currently no plans to reduce the quantity of Christmas lights or the length of time that they are illuminated.
"The times that they are illuminated are governed by the street lighting circuits to which they are connected. We are unable to illuminate them at alternative times."
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
A spokesperson said: “The Council Christmas lights will operate under normal switch-on times across the borough.
“In recent months the Council conducted an efficiencies review where various options relating to timers for lights etc. were investigated, however the implementation of these proposals was deemed not cost effective. The Council will continue to investigate more sustainable options in the future.
“The Council is also conscious that at this time, communities and businesses are facing significant challenges with the cost of living crisis and economic uncertainty. Therefore, the Council wishes to continue to provide a positive atmosphere in its town centres to make them an attractive place to visit, dine and shop, to support businesses at this key time of year.”
Belfast City Council
A spokesperson said: "Belfast City Council will be building on last year’s successful festive opening weekend with music, dance, animation, street performers and illuminations for Christmas 2022. The festivities will start with an Enchanted Evening on Saturday November 19, followed by music and animation every weekend until 18 December.
"There are no plans at present to reduce the timing or quantity of Christmas illuminations in the city centre."
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
A spokesperson said: “There are currently no plans to make any changes to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Christmas light displays this year.”
Derry City and Strabane District Council
A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council said that its budget for the Christmas lights and trees across the council for the current year has been allocated and arrangements are currently in place to have all the Christmas lights off from midnight.
They added: "Moving forward, Council obviously faces significant financial challenges as it moves towards striking the rates for 2023/24. A Finance Working Group has been established where Elected Members are examining all budgets in detail and reviewing all possible saving opportunities in advance of the Council striking the rate for 2023/24."
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
A spokesperson said: "In the context of the ongoing cost of living crisis and escalating financial pressures, officers continue to review plans for festive lighting across the District in Omagh and Enniskillen to maximise energy efficiency and reduce consumption in the face of increased electricity costs."
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
“Council will be switching on Christmas lights in the three main towns (Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus) this year as normal. All of our lighting has been changed to LED in recent years to reduce electricity costs.”
Mid Ulster District Council
A spokesperson said: "We have no plans to make any cut backs to our Christmas lighting schemes."
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
A spokesperson said: “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council does not plan to make changes to the operation of lights this year.
"Most of its Christmas lights are LED and operate from Department for Infrastructure street light lamp posts during their hours of operation."
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council
At time of publication, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council had not provided a response.
What do you think? Is is good common sense to put a timer on festive lights in public spaces as finances are hit or is it spoiling the season of goodwill? Let us know in the comments below.
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