Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste has announced the return of the live animal crib to Mansion House this year.
The crib did not feature outside the house last year for the first time in 27 years following a decision from then-Lord Mayor Caroline Conroy.
Mr de Róiste said he respects Ms Conroy’s decision not to feature animals last year, but said it is “always each Lord Mayor’s right to decide what happens at the Mansion House”.
“Tradition is such an important aspect of Christmas and for many Dubliners, including myself, the Mansion House Live Animal Crib was always a huge part of that,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them return for 2023 and watching the smiles on the faces of young and old as they get to see the animals up close once again.”
The Lord Mayor said he spoke to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), who “confirmed they are also delighted that we are bringing it back for Christmas 2023”.
'A gift from farmers'
IFA President Tim Cullinan welcomed the decision to bring the live animal crib back to Mansion House.
“It symbolises so much about Christmas,” he said.
“The live animal crib has been a wonderful tradition in the run-in to Christmas for the people of Dublin, and visitors to the capital.
“It’s a gift from the farmers of Ireland that creates a traditional nativity scene on the forecourt of the Mansion House.”
The blessing of the crib will take place on December 6th.
Animal welfare
The crib was scraped by Ms Conroy last year due to animal welfare concerns.
The decision was met with disappointment among many politicians, although it was backed by animal welfare groups.
Animal rights campaigner John Carmody criticised the decision to bring the live animal crib back and said it should be replaced with “animal statuettes”.
“There’s nothing ‘spectacular’ or Christmas-like let alone holy about storing living, feeling animals in outdated, cramped cribs only to be tethered for hours and subjected to noisy crowds, honking cars and freezing temperatures,” he said.
“Cribs represent a time in Ireland when we were ignorant towards the feelings and rights of people, let alone animals.”
