Grafton Street Christmas lights turned on

More than 120 metres of Christmas lights brightened up the sky over Grafton Street tonight.

Hundreds of weary shoppers watched the chandelier style display being switched on over one of the capital’s main thoroughfares.

David McCormick, of the Grafton Street Christmas Lights Committee, hopes the energy efficient lighting will lift the spirits of those visiting or working in the city centre.

“We want to make the city experience as enjoyable as possible for the hundreds of thousands of people who visit it each day,” he said.

“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.”

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan, who switched on the display, said businesses on Grafton Street were setting a shining example by using energy efficient lights and getting their electricity from renewable resources.

“Christmas is a very special time, remembrance of the past, togetherness for now and hope for the future,” he said.

“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 that despite our current difficulties.”