Mountmellick Christmas Tree plan revealed for 2026 Laois festive season
Mountmellick Christmas tree committee reveal plan for this Christmas with ‘massive fundraiser’ on the way
The much beloved permanent Mountmellick Christmas tree is going to be replaced, but it will not be this year, the committee has revealed.
Mountmellick Christmas Tree Committee announced this Monday, November 11 that there will indeed be a Christmas Tree and Crib this year erected in the heart of town, O’Connell Square.
However it will not be a long awaited replacement for the 60 foot tall metal structure, but another impressively tall 30 foot real spruce tree, likely the biggest real Christmas tree in any town in Laois.
That plan, driven by public requests, is going to take a big jump however, in 2027.
Paddy Buggy chairperson gave an update to the Leinster Express / Laois Live, thanking Laois businesses for their financial support.
“Following initial concerns over funding for this year’s Christmas tree, a group of local businesses saved the day with their extraordinary generosity and have ensured that on this the 70 th Anniversary of the first Christmas Tree, O Connell Square will once again celebrate this festive season with a 30ft natural tree.
“The Committee wish to thank Peadar Holohan Steel Sheds, Brian Buggy & Son, Junior Dowling’s, Joyce’s Steel Supplies, McElwee Pharmacies and Security Partners for their extremely generous sponsorship.
“Without their help and support O’Connell Square would have been empty this Christmas,” the committee chair said.
The handmade crib with its handpainted nativity figures, created and cared for by the late Brian Lynch, is under repair.
“The true essence of Christmas is a child born in a stable over two thousand years ago and in keeping with this tradition our crib, which is currently under repair by the Local Employment Scheme personnel, will sit proudly in O’Connell Square along side our tree. We are truly grateful to the team for their work and support.
“Behind the scenes the voluntary committee has been working extensively along side Peadar Holohan, Laois County Council and other relevant specialists. These specialists will create a fully certified, purpose built structural design tailored specifically to Mountmellick’s site requirements.
“We acknowledge with gratitude that the Town Centre Plan recognises the importance of the Christmas Tree to Mountmellick and has designed in a space in the heart of O’Connell Square to facilitate it’s erection every Christmas.
“With all of this in mind the committee will be launching a massive fund raiser drive in 2027. We hope that the whole community and those further afield will fully support us in this massive endeavour.
“The committee sincerely thanks the people of Mountmellick for their continued understanding, patience and support as we work towards securing the professional expertise required to rebuild this cherished tradition safely and permanently,” Mr Buggy said.
A lighting up date is not confirmed, but is traditionally on the night of the Late Late Toy Show, which this year airs on November 26.
A Christmas tree has stood in Mountmellick for 70 years, and in the early years was also a real tree.
The metal framed tree, a decades long feat of local community volunteer spirit, had to be dismantled in 2023 becuase of dangerous levels of rust in the central steel girder.
The committee was granted €50,000 from the Creative Climate Action Fund in 2023 to design a more environmentally friendly replacement, as the old tree used large amounts of electricity to light up.
Mountmellick’s O’Connell Square is being redesigned as a more naturally landscaped public realm, with a central space reserved for the replacement permanent Christmas tree. A public display of the plans ended on November 4 but submissions are being taken until November 18.