Down the years, Donegal Town has been renowned for its Christmas lights display and, indeed, it is an attraction which has brought many people to the town over the Christmas shopping period. This year, if rumours are correct, the Town may be without its usual splendour. The problem – the cost is prohibitive and funds are not available. Our reporter, Margaret Gallagher, decided to visit the Donegal Town Community Chamber office and find out what the position is. This is what she found out:
The Community Chamber is the body responsible for the Christmas lights and over the past two years there has been a shortfall in funds collected for the lights, from businesses and the community. In 2001 a total of €11,954 was collected but a total of €17,570.17 was expended. This included some extra expenditure for new (replacement) lightings - thus a shortfall of over €5,500 had to be borne by the Community Chamber. In 2002 funds collected dropped to €10,304 – over €1,500 less than previous year and a sum of €11,646 was spent – a shortfall of €1,342. Thus over the last two years the Community Chamber has had to use nearly €7000 of its funds to put up the Christmas Lights. This is a situation which can’t be allowed continue.
According to the Community Chamber spokesperson the situation has had to be carefully examined. It is realised that the lights are a central part of Donegal Towns Christmas set-up and the switch-on night is a huge occasion for the children. The Chamber has decided to proceed as usual with the lights this year but it may be necessary to cut back on the display, if sufficient funds do not materialise. As usual, the Chamber will be writing to all businesses and community groups seeking donations and the size and nature of the lighting display will be dependent on the response to its appeal. The Chamber is conscious of the fact that many areas/streets do not get any lighting, even though the business/groups there donate, in many instances very generously. The funds do not permit the lighting of all areas and it is necessary to prioritise. However the view is that all businesses benefit from the influx of people over the Christmas shopping period.
The Community Chamber request all businesses and Community groups – and any individuals who wishes to do so – subscribe generously to the Christmas lights fund. Without sufficient funding the lights will not be as bright as usual. The degree of brightness depends on your generosity !!
Work to Commence Shortly on
Donegal Town Playground
Work will start shortly on the new playground at the St. John Bosco running track. This had been delayed due to a clause in the funding allocation which related to the provision of insurance by Donegal County Council for the day to day running of the playground. However, a contractor has now been agreed and the way is clear for commencement of work on The Toddlers/Special Needs playground. This work will include the preparation of the area for the equipment, access to site, including wheelchair access, laying hardcore on the parking area and completing the drainage, manholes and laying of services.
When this work is complete the equipment contractor will install the play units, lay the safety surfaces and erect the bow top fence and gate.
The equipment includes a Four Tower toddlers unit with a slide etc., two Spring Rockers, a Double Spring Rocker, a Pedal Roundabout, a special needs Birds Nest Swing, a two seat cradle swing, a sandpit and cover, a metal/Wooden Bench (Kindly sponsored) and a Penguin litter bin.
While funding has been sourced for a part of the cost, nonetheless the Community Chamber has to raise matching funding. Towards this goal the Development Officer, Sian Breslin and staff supported by directors, have organised an ambitious draw with excellent prizes. The overall prizes amount to €200,000. These include: A Spanish Home, 5 cars - drawn monthly, electrical goods, crystal sets, Newbridge cutlery etc. There will be six monthly draws for these prizes and, in addition, the Community Chamber have a series of local draws which have valuable cash prizes and a sparkling new Nissan Micra. This is an ideal opportunity for the community to support this worthy cause and provide a first class playground.
Tickets are available from The Enterprise Office at Bridge Street 074 - 9723760 or 074- 9722312 or from Directors. Tickets cost €90 and may be paid for by direct debit i.e. €6 x 15.
The Community Chamber wish to thank all those who have already contributed to our fundraising programme.
Playground-sub committee
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