Grafton Street's Christmas lights were switched on by Aine Nolan with some help from Garda Keith Moroney. Photograph: Bryan MeadeWhile the sound of sleigh bells are still some way off, the ringing of cash registers is growing louder with retailers nervously optimistic about what lies ahead.charity supporting families of children with serious illnesses, on Thursday evening, with a total of 25 other streets across the city following its lead courtesy of business group Dublin Town.
Mr Guiney said “it hasn’t been a great year” to date but “fortunes can be turned around”. He recalled the concerns expressed for trade after rioting in the city centre on November 23rd last, but said “footfall was actually up in December and trade exceeded expectations” afterwards. All told, he said, it takes 30 people, working through the night over four weeks, to erect the lights. “Every single bulb and fixture is tested by Dublin Town’s lighting contractor in advance of going up.”
She said “inflation has levelled off and there’s definitely a bit more certainty when it comes to pricing”.