New Year’s Eve fireworks proposed for Portlaoise

A NEW Year’s Eve fireworks display has been proposed for Portlaoise but it will be 2026 before it can go ahead.

Laois Co Council has agreed to consider staging a public fireworks display in the town centre, following a proposal by Cllr Tommy Mulligan.

However, the council said its 2025 community events budget has been spent, so it will be 31 December next year before a fireworks show can be held.

Cllr Mulligan made the proposal at the November meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, when he suggested holding a family-friendly fireworks show in Fitzmaurice Place, followed by a children’s disco and entertainment in The Fort outdoor events space nearby.

He said: “We have made great strides in promoting community events, in conjunction with the Portlaoise Town Team and Downtown Portlaoise, so I’d be looking at this as an additional event. I can’t recall any celebration we have held on New Year’s Eve in Portlaoise or anywhere in the county.

“The only fireworks displays I know of are in Dublin and Dingle, where they attract a huge number of tourists. Parents and children love to attend fireworks displays and it would attract a lot of tourists to the town.” 

The independent councillor said Fitzmaurice Place would be a safe venue for such a display and it would showcase the plaza for what could be “a lovely family event”.

Cllr Marie Tuohy seconded the proposal and said: “New Year’s Eve is very much a family night. The important word here is ‘safe’ fireworks display and it could prevent other problems in the town that night.” 

Cllr Paddy Buggy also supported the idea, as he referred to “the unofficial fireworks displays” sometimes held around the town. He felt that a safe, supervised fireworks celebration would add to the festive atmosphere, when the town rings in a new year.

Cllr Buggy added: “My own wife surprised me with a fireworks display on the night of our wedding and it’s a wonderful idea.” 

District Cathaoirleach Cllr John Joe Fennelly agreed, saying: “Anything that brings people into the town would be a good thing.” 

In a written response to the proposal, council official Elaine Moore listed a series of family-friendly events being held in the run-up to Christmas, following the switch-on of festive lights on Main Street on 21 November.

The events organised by the council include two shows in The Fort, with Christmas dancing on Sunday 23 November and the Big Christmas Sing with choirs on Sunday 30 November.

Ms Moore said that all budgets for 2025 are spent or allocated but a fireworks display is something that could be considered in 2026.