Launch of new Laois climate project to replace Mountmellick Christmas tree

The launch of The Valley Star Project – a reimagining of a Laois town's former famous Christmas Tree through the lens of climate action, took place on Friday January 19 at The Balcony Theatre in Mountmellick Community Arts Centre.

Mountmellick Christmas Tree Committee have begun their exciting new initiative for O’ Connell Square, promised by Christmas 2026. It followed the unavoidable dismantling of the town's famous metal framed tree last year, as it had deteriorated to a dangerous level.

They received funding for generate ideas, public engagement and prototyping for Dec 2024 of a new year round sculptural Christmas Tree that is also climate friendly and sustainably powered.

The committee was awarded €50,000 under the Creative Ireland Programme - Spark Creative Climate Action Fund II to establish prototypes of Christmas Trees with sculptural structures that creatively respond to climate action and explore energy transitions from fossil fuels to green renewables.

The Valley Star Project is the only initiative in Co. Laois awarded the funding for 2024, giving it the potential to become a flagship example of how people adapt to, and live with climate change as it becomes part of our daily lives.

Chair of Mountmellick Christmas Tree Committee is Paddy Buggy.

Paddy Buggy speaking at the launch of the Valley Star Project. 

“As we embark on this exciting journey, we find ourselves on a path that is not just forward-thinking, but downright innovative. The Valley Star Project isn't merely about a tree at Christmas; it's about reimagining, reinventing, and renewing. It's about weaving the threads of sustainability into the festive fabric of our community.

“In this first year of the initiative, we will have an engaging programme of workshops & collaborative events that will serve as the foundation for The Valley Star Project.

“These activities will not only be an opportunity for us to learn & grow, but will also be a crucial phase where we gather essential data, harness the power of community engagement, and move forward in alliance towards our shared vision.

“This endeavour is a unique opportunity for community groups and the people of our town to come together, showing a united front. Our Georgian Square, already steeped in history and charm, is set to become the canvas for a beautiful aesthetic piece that reflects our commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.”

Ruairí Conroy, John Payne and Trish Kelley at the launch of the Valley Star Project (a reimagining of Mountmellick Christmas Tree through the lens of climate action) in Mountmellick Arts Centre. Picture: Alf Harvey.

The town has had a Christmas tree in its market square since 1956 when the first Christmas tree was brought into town on a pony and cart and placed in a barrel. Later it became a tall timber pole with metal spokes. After that blew sideways in a storm in the 1980s, a steel girder stood for some 40 years.

The beloved changing light sequences were strings of individual bulbs, with volunteers gamely climbing up to change them, all controlled by a record player spinning in the crib. It was the brainchild of electrician Ger Lynch, a founding committee member with his brother Brian.  Brian organised the visit by Santa to the cinema hall giving free wrapped gifts to every child in town, and fuel to the elderly, and as a painter decorated the crib and statues too.

Their volunteer work was all funded by door to door donations and a flag day, generously supported by locals. The Community Employment Scheme later came on board to help erect the tree.

The committee deservedly retired after 63 years in 2020 and after an engineer's report commissioned by the new committee found the steel pole was badly rusted, it had to be removed in 2023.

Committee Member Maurice Lynch, spoke at the meeting about that pivotol time.

“Was there a problem? No- there were several! As the saying goes, ‘rust never sleeps’ and this emerged as the main problem, making the structure a health and safety hazard. Added to that were several electrical issues, resulting in the voluntary committee members, having to repair them during the 2022 Christmas period,” he said.

Maurice outlined their new vision, how it evolved, what the committee hopes to achieve, and how.

“By moving away from things just being done to us, or for us, to a situation where things are done with us and by us. Via Active community participation co-creation, research, collaboration, and partnership, we will get there,” he said.

The committee welcome and encourage the community to feed into their journey, with Paddy Buggy echoing Maurice’s words.

“Community participation allows for each of you to become an integral part of The Valley Star Project journey. Whether you are an artist, a student, a business owner, or simply someone passionate about our community, your input is invaluable. Together, we can shape & mould this project into something that transcends the ordinary - a symbol of unity, creativity, and environmental stewardship,” the chair said.

Catherine Casey, Head of Climate Change at the Heritage Council was the guest speaker at the launch.

Former Heritage Officer for almost two decades with Laois County Council, Catherine has an in-depth knowledge of Mountmellick, and its rich heritage - from its landscape, archaeological sites, and architectural heritage, to its setting in the bend of the Owenass river, at the foot of the Sliabh Bloom Mountains.

In her new national role, Catherine focuses on the intersection of heritage conservation and climate action. This position was established in response to the climate crisis, acknowledging that our cultural heritage is both affected by and can be a powerful tool in combating climate change. The creation of this role within the Heritage Council underscores the importance of integrating heritage considerations into climate action strategies.

Committee member Declan Furlong and Niamh Lynch at the launch. 

Catherine spoke highly of the community spirit of Mountmellick and this new initiative.

“The Valley Star Project in Mountmellick is a perfect example of how powerful this intersection between climate, heritage and communities can be. What makes The Valley Star Project particularly important is its potential to be a model for other towns across Ireland.

“It is not just about reimagining a Christmas tree; it's about reimagining the future of Mountmellick and setting an example for communities nationwide. It's a project that perfectly encapsulates how heritage and climate action can work hand in hand for a sustainable future,” she said.

Led by the Mountmellick Christmas Tree Committee, visual artist Martina Coyle, and science communicator Catherine McGuinness, and managed by Creative Producer Ann Lawlor, this project team will spend 2024 engaging with the community and gathering data.

Armed with this knowledge, the project will have the knowledge to be a beacon of innovation, community engagement and climate heritage.

The Valley Star Project will demonstrate how community collaboration and creative activity can marry local interests, heritage, and cultural assets, while integrating tools to adapt to climate change.

At the end of the event, Paddy Buggy on behalf of the Mountmellick Christmas Tree Committee thanked everyone who attended and took part in the Q & A session, and registered interest in participating in the upcoming project programme.

Florence Fennelly, Kathleen Horan and Ger Lynch at the launch of the Valley Star Project (a reimagining of Mountmellick Christmas Tree through the lens of climate action) in Mountmellick Arts Centre. Picture: Alf Harvey.

The Creative Climate Action Spark fund has funded 24 projects nationally that are piloting new ideas for public engagement at a local, community level, or communities-of-practice.

The programme for creative, cultural and artistic initiatives under the Creative Climate Action Fund II is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of the Taoiseach.

For more about the project, contact hello@thevalleystar.ie and follow the project on the Mountmellick Christmas Tree social media accounts. Upcoming consultation sessions, creative workshops, surveys, and community events will be publicised.