A south Longford town has announced it will scale back the number of Christmas lights it erects this festive season.
The Ballymahon Traders Association made the decision in light of rising electricity costs and Niall Dowler says the community must lead by example when it comes to energy consumption.
A 25 foot Christmas tree will be put up at the library with plans also in place for the erection of now famous bow and bridge lighting.
The group is also urging all businesses and residents to enhance their shops and homes with the most energy efficient solutions as possible.
The PRO of Ballymahon Town Team explains how the decision was reached.
Just given the circumstances, and from an economic point of view we decided to scale it down.
We thought that we should be leading by example , given the cost of energy bills and the rising energy costs.
I don't think it'll have a negative atmosphere, because our local focal point is around the Ballymahon community library in the middle of the town.
That's usually where we have the 25 ft christmas tree and that's usually where we have Santy.
I think if we do it very tastefully I think we can pull it off.
