South Dublin councillors debate ‘true meaning’ of Christmas as they agree to festive crib
South Dublin councillors were divided on the “true meaning” of Christmas as they debated whether to erect a large, live crib in the county.
Introducing a motion at a South Dublin County Council (SDCC) meeting calling for a crib to be erected in county hall or another location to symbolise Christmas, Independent councillor Ronan McMahon called for other councillors to show their support for diversity.
“To display a crib would be an inclusive act to include those of the Christian faith who are ignored for the sake of diversity,” he said.
“The council supports other religions and non-Christian festivals throughout the year – like Diwali or other cultural events.
“A crib is a traditional symbol of Christmas – Dublin County Council have had one for over 70 years and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. A large crib that would include live animals will give young people a chance to see rural life.”
After the motion was put to vote, councillors voted with 16 supporting the original motion, 16 voting for an amendment that removed the words “true meaning of Christmas” and the proposal for live animals. Two councillors abstained.
In the end, the amended motion was passed after Mayor Pamela Kearns voted in support of it.
Fianna Fáil councillor Emma Murphy introduced the first amendment calling for the words “true meaning” to be removed.
“My interpretation of Christmas and what that means to others is something I wouldn’t like defined – I propose to delete those words,” she said.
“I think a crib is a positive idea, it can be a focal point for the community just as our other initiatives like the tree lightings can be.”
Independent councillor Alan Edge supported the amendment saying it was important to include everyone.
“I myself am not a believer but will fight for anyone’s right to celebrate Christmas. In Ireland, we have traditionally celebrated Christmas and it’s part of our culture,” he said.
“I think it’s also important to remember newcomers to this country of the Christian faith and otherwise who come here as refugees – I had the joy of decorating a tree with Afghan refugees, people have a lot of love regardless of the faith aspect.
“I think the crib and the Christmas story is about sanctuary it’s important to include everyone.”
Councillors also spoke up against the proposal for live animals, cautioning that it could lead to mistreatment of the animals.
SDCC’s Director of Planning and Transport, Teresa Walsh, said the council will look into an annual crib for 2026 but flagged concerns about a live crib as other local authorities had reported difficulties in managing it.
Councillors agreed that Christmas had grown increasingly “commercialised” and that a crib would be a reminder to younger generations of its origins.
“There’s been a lot of consumerism around it, Christmas has become something it was never meant to be – it will be nice to have the peacefulness of the crib and that could be a reminder to all of us,” said Fianna Fáil councillor Yvonne Collins.