A renewed campaign is calling for Armagh’s Christmas lights to reach beyond the city centre, after concerns that several approach roads and neighbourhoods could again have little or no festive display this year.
The Armagh Community Hub has written to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council seeking the restoration and expansion of lighting along routes which campaigners say were previously decorated during the festive season.
Orla Kelly, of the community group, has asked the council whether the areas identified in the correspondence will be included in this year’s plans. The campaign focuses on the visibility of festive lighting for people travelling into the city, as well as for residents and businesses located away from the central streets.
Roads and areas highlighted
The locations raised with the council include the Moy Road roundabout, Railway Street, Loughgall Road, Banbrook and the route towards the Harps GFC grounds.
According to the campaign, these areas had previously featured festive lighting but appeared to be largely without decorations last year. The group says the display appeared to end around Shapla, leaving substantial residential and commercial areas on the outskirts without a visible seasonal welcome.
Kelly’s message to the council also argues that Christmas lights are not simply a matter of appearance. The campaign says decorated shared spaces can help create a sense of belonging and togetherness, and that festive displays should not be limited to Armagh’s central streets.
Calls follow last year’s criticism
The latest request comes after similar frustration from traders and residents in and around Lower English Street, Railway Street and the Moy Road area last Christmas.
Barber Mark McSherry previously criticised what he regarded as significant gaps in the city’s festive display. He said there was little or no lighting between the Shambles roundabout and the Moy Road entrance, while the Keady Road side of Armagh was also poorly served.
McSherry argued that the city needed renewed investment and a more modern, welcoming approach to encourage people to stop, shop and spend time locally, rather than simply drive through Armagh.
Additional lighting secured in the west
Following that criticism, Sinn Féin councillor Sarah Duffy said she had secured additional Christmas lighting for west Armagh. The arrangements included festive features in the Shambles area and at Tom O’Kane’s roundabout, together with repairs to existing lights at Shambles Yard.
At the time, Duffy said the measures were intended to ensure residents in the west of the city were included in the seasonal celebrations, after concerns that the area had been missed by earlier plans.
The current community-led campaign indicates that some residents and local businesses believe further work is still required across Armagh’s approach roads and neighbourhoods. The immediate next step is for the council to clarify whether the locations listed by the Armagh Community Hub will be included in this year’s festive lighting programme.