Outrage as Christmas tree scaled at night in Laois town

A voluntary group expressed outrage after a man scaled a town’s Christmas tree on Saturday. 

The Portarlington Christmas Tree voluntary group posted an image on social media of what appears to be a man near the top of the tree. The picture is understood to have been taken late on Saturday night going into the early hours of Sunday morning. 

“Hi guys we have had someone vandalise the Christmas Tree last light causing significant damage to the lighting of the tree. We know who you are and will be reporting it to the guards, expect a knock on your door,” the group posted on social media. 

“We have spent weeks preparing and putting up the tree for gobshite like you who thinks you can do what he want. Remember we are a voluntary group who give up our time so we can have a lovely tree in our town,” they added. 

Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins said work on the tree had only been completed on Saturday night ahead of the official lighting next Saturday. 

He said the group, who finished their work on Saturday night, now has to return and get a hoist to inspect the tree and determine the extent of the damage. 

“It is just a pity after all of the hard work put in locally,” said Cllr Mullins. 

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Cllr Mullins said the man is believed to have climbed to the very top of the tree. “It’s lucky he didn’t fall, he went up to the top of it,” he said. 

He doesn't believe the incident will delay or affect the official turning on of the lights in Portarlington next Saturday, November 29 at 7pm when the Santa Truck and the man himself, Santa Clause will also be in attendance.