Council defends early switch-on of Christmas lights

City Hall has defended the early switch-on of Cork’s Christmas lights this week.

Officials said they are responding to calls from city centre businesses who feel that turning on the festive lights encourages people to begin their Christmas shopping early.

“They have had a tough year and this is one of the ways we can give back to the rate payers,” head of corporate affairs, Valerie O’Sullivan told councillors last night.