Dundalk’s Market Square to shine brightly for Christmas
A multi-million euro refurbishment of Market Square in the historic heart of Dundalk has been completed on schedule with Friday (December 2) set to see celebrations as Christmas lights are switched on and a new illuminated fountain is commissioned.
Made possible by major national and EU funding, the major works in Market Square have seen Dundalk Town Council and their contractors work closely with local businesses to minimise disruption.
One of the centrepieces of the new-look square is a fountain installed by Meath-based specialist sub-contractors Fountainworks that provides a fully automated and programmable water display with spectacular jet and lighting effects.
The system can be sequenced to create a dazzling range of displays. During peak periods, such as lunchtime, early evenings and weekends, the fountain will be programmed to take on an interactive show function, with a range of alternating jet heights and colour combinations. Specific colour themes will be programmed for calendar events, for instance, red and white for Christmas.
It is also possible to synchronise the water and light display with any performance that may be happening in Market Square, such as live music or dance events.
In addition, an attractive retail unit is proposed for Market Square to bring additional life and provide a focal point in the public space. Expressions of interest for tenancy of the unit are being accepted by Dundalk Town Council until 12noon on Friday (Dec 2) with a number of enquiries already received.
Looking ahead to Friday’s celebrations which will coincide with a wider programme coordinated by the Dundalk Town Centre Commercial Manager’s Office and local retailers, Cllr Marianne Butler, Cathaoirleach, Dundalk Town Council, said: “The first Friday of December gives us a real chance to kick-start Christmas in Dundalk with the revamped town centre all set for the busy holiday shopping season.
“This year, it’s perhaps more important than ever that all of us living in Dundalk make a special effort to shop local and support the retailers who provide sustainable employment in the town. It’s also vital that we maintain a vibrant and attractive town centre so I’d encourage everyone living or working in Dundalk to spend some time in Market Square and the surrounding streets in the days and weeks ahead. If we can all line out on the Dundalk team, we’ll make a real difference in the town’s economy and help save local jobs.”
- The ‘switch on’ of the Market Square fountain and Christmas lights will take place at 7.30pm, Friday with choir singing to begin from 4pm.
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