Industry steps in to make sure Mullingar has bright Christmas

The industries and businesses on the edge of the town have stepped in to make sure Mullingar has a top class display of Christmas lights this year.

The lights will be officially switched on at Dominick Square at 5.30pm tomorrow, Tuesday November 24.

The event will observe social distancing guidelines, but everyone can view the ceremony on the Invest Mullingar Facebook page.

John Cochrane, speaking on behalf of the Mullingar Enhancement Group, which was formed a year ago with the aim of providing Christmas lights for the nine streets in the town centre, acknowledged that the retail sector has had an awful year due to the pandemic, and the industrial sector has contributed funding "to make this the success it’s going to be".

That money has gone into a pot along with funds from Leader and Westmeath County Council to make a substantial sum, and the ambitious plans include two large Christmas trees, one on Dominick Square and one on Market Square.

Also on Market Square will be a projector showing Christmas scenes on Market House.

For the first time, there will be Christmas lights on Mary Street, Austin Friar Street and on the Green Bridge.

"This year it’s more important than ever, and we have new lights in the town, so it’s for everybody, not just for the children," said Mr Cochrane.

"It’s a mental health boost for every age group, and we hope everyone from all around Mullingar and Westmeath will come in to visit and look at the lights."