Approximately 400 people took to the streets of Lismore yesterday, Sunday July 16, to protest against the uncertainty surrounding the future of the popular annual 'Santa on the Strand' event.
Last year, the event was attended by in excess of 4,000 people, with €20,000 donated to St. Carthage's Rest Home in Lismore, and the Cappoquin Day Care Centre.
Children have the opportunity to see Santa, to visit a small animal petting area, to make cookies, and to view the winter wonderland lights in the woodland.
The event runs in the woodland area known locally as 'The Strand' however this year, objections have been lodged against the event returning to this location.
Objections made against the event running in this location were made on the ground of biodiversity.
Concerns were raised that the protected tree species within the woodland would be damaged due to the high traffic of visitors to the four-day December event.
Discussions are ongoing at present, with the hope held by many at the march that the event can continue in its current location, as opposed to being held elsewhere.
WLR's Dymphna Nugent spoke with Tom Murphy, Director of St. Carthage's Rest Home, local councillors John Pratt and Conor McGuinness, and members of the public.
