Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Tuesday 16°CWednesday 19°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
ChristmasDerry CityNews

Damage to council Christmas illuminations cost £50k

written by cassoscoop May 16, 2022
ShareTweet

Council’s Reindeer damaged by vandals in Derry last Christmas

The cost of damage caused to Festive Illuminations across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area during the Christmas period last year amounted to almost £50,000, members of the Council’s Environment and Regeneration Committee heard recently.

The matter was discussed at a recent monthly Committee meeting where members approved additional budget to cover the costs associated with damage to a number of trees and illuminations across the city and district during the Christmas period.

Conor Canning, Head of Environment with Derry City and Strabane District Council, outlined to members of the Committee how the Council had invested significantly over the years in its festive lighting scheme across the Council area.

He said there was a hugely positive response to the illuminations, in particular the artificial trees erected in Derry city centre, Ebrington, Strabane town centre and at the Let the Dance Begin sculpture and also in Sion Mills.

The trees and lighting generated many positive comments and reactions both locally and beyond and were a welcome and enhanced addition to the Council’s extensive lighting programme.

He said it was unfortunate however, that there were several reported instances of vandalism to trees across the Council area, in particular the trees in Derry’s, Guildhall Square and Waterloo Place, which were targeted on a number of occasions.

Repair work on the trees was carried out during the period, with the total cost amounting to almost £50,000.

He added that whilst vandalism attacks have taken place in previous years, the frequency and scale of the incidents over the festive period of 2021 resulted in additional costs to Council that had not been included in the original allocated budget.

Conor added that Council as part of its planning for this year’s Christmas illuminations is looking at a number of ways to improve designs and to put in additional preventable measures going forward.

Elected members at the meeting expressed their shock and disappointment at the acts of vandalism and condemned the attacks saying it was important the public are informed of the impact and cost the vandalism was having on ratepayers.

Decorations damaged on Derry’s Christmas tree

The Chair of the Committee Cllr Ruairi McHugh said: “I am extremely shocked at the scale and cost of vandalism of our hugely popular Christmas lights.

“By making these costs public, I hope it will deter incidents in the years ahead, and encourage people to report acts of vandalism to the relevant authorities.”

Cllr McHugh also paid tribute to the staff across the Council involved in the Christmas Illuminations programme for their ongoing work and commitment in promoting the city and district.

Damage to council Christmas illuminations cost £50k was last modified: May 19th, 2022 by cassoscoop

Tags:
Cllr Ruairi McHugh saidCONOR CANNINGDamage to council Christmas illuminations cost £50kDERRY CITY AND STRABANE DISTRICT COUNCILderry city centreebringtonEnvironment and Regeneration Committeeguildhall squareHEAD OF ENVIRONMENTLet the Dance Begin sculptureStrabane town centreWATERLOO PLACE
ShareTweet
cassoscoop

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Feile 2025 unveil biggest programme of events

5 hours ago

Loughs Agency delivers extensive fisheries improvement works...

7 hours ago

Alcohol Forum Ireland seeks Finance Administrator/Bookkeeper for...

1 day ago

Motorcyclist seriously injured in Donegal collision

1 day ago

Council officially adopts Local Development Plan, LDP...

2 days ago

Woman charged over serious assault in Derry

2 days ago

Second arrest made over 120 cannabis plant...

3 days ago

Charles Dooher murder bid: Man arrested in...

3 days ago

The LYCRA Company staff excited to continue...

3 days ago

Man arrested in Derry over murder bid...

4 days ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Sun, sea, spectacular views, historical charm and fabulous food. Tunisia of course

    April 5, 2024
  • Magical trip to see Santa from Belfast

    December 20, 2023
  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022

Courts

  • Woman charged over serious assault in Derry

    July 13, 2025
  • Man to face Derry court over cannabis plants seizure

    July 11, 2025
  • Man charged to court over Derry drugs seizure

    July 6, 2025
  • Drink-driver charged to court over Derry collision

    July 5, 2025
  • Derry priest faces seven more child sex charges

    July 4, 2025

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2025 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy