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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Sophie Collins

Live crib to be held in new location in Dublin following mayor cancellation controversy

The live animal Christmas crib, which will include a donkey, two sheep, and a goat will be resurrected in St Stephen's Green's Summer House.

The festive favourite was originally axed from its former home at the Mansion House, and will now appear just a few hundred metres up the road from December 8.

Green Party Councillor and Lord Mayor Caroline Conroy received widespread backlash after announcing that the live-animal element of the crib would not appear at this year's nativity scene.

READ MORE: Social welfare Ireland: Double Christmas bonus to open to thousands more people that never got it before

In response to this, the Office of Public Works has now taken it upon itself to bring the Christmas attraction to its new location.

The OPW said in a statement: "A firm Christmas tradition and beloved institution for many, young and old, the Live Animal Crib will be back on 8 December in a new, central location in the heart of the capital.

“This year, the Summer House in St Stephen’s Green Park will provide shelter to a donkey, two sheep, and a goat, gathered around a scene that captures the nativity story that unfolded in Bethlehem over two millennia ago."

The new OPW attraction follows discussions with the Irish Farmers’ Association with the OPW adding: "Animal welfare is paramount and the shelter in the Summer House will be installed in line with the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council’s Guidelines."

The animals will be cared for onsite each day by their owner and will return to their farm in Wicklow each afternoon.

People will not be able to enter the Summer House but will be able to see the Live Crib from a safe distance, so as not to disturb or frighten the animals.

Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan said: “I am delighted that the OPW and IFA were able to find a location so that the Live Animal Crib can return to Dublin for the 27 year in a row to delight children in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

“I believe St Stephen’s Green offers an appropriate, sheltered space for the animals and is easily accessible to the public.

"As a parent, I understand how popular this nativity scene with real animals is for thousands of families in and outside the city. I look forward to its opening on 8 December."

IFA President Tim Cullinan all said he was delighted that the Live Animal Crib - a tradition started back in 1995 - would go ahead. He said: “The Live Animal Crib is a central part of the pre-Christmas experience in Dublin.

"It also allows children to see animals in a traditional Nativity scene. The Crib also serves to bring rural and urban communities together."

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