The live animal crib is returning to the city centre this Christmas.
Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste says he's "delighted" to have it back, and respects the decision of the previous mayor not to do so.
The Irish Farmers Association has confirmed it is backing the project in the run up to Christmas.
Last year, then-Lord Mayor Caroline Conroy decided against hosting live animals at the Mansion House, but it was moved to Stephen's Green instead.
Tradition
Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste says: "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.
"So I am delighted to announce we’re going to have it back again this year. It is always each Lord Mayor’s right to decide what happens at the Mansion House so I respect the decision of my predecessor not to feature the animals last year.
"However, 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. I have spoken to the Irish Farmers Association, who for so many years have been a key part of this tradition, and they have confirmed to me that they are also delighted that we are bringing it back for Christmas 2023. I know that the farmers always take great care of the animals and that this year will be no different.”
https://x.com/IFAmedia/status/1722636039200690481?s=20
IFA President Tim Cullinan welcomed the decision, saying: "It symbolises so much about Christmas. We’re delighted the Lord Mayor has invited us back and we look forward to working with him.
"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.
"We are really looking forward to renewing our partnership with the Lord Mayor of Dublin, which has been running since the mid-nineties. I would also like to acknowledge Minister Patrick O’Donovan and the OPW for their assistance in providing a location in St Stephen’s Green last year.
The blessing of the Live Animal Crib, supported by the Lord Mayor, the IFA and the DSPCA, will take place on December 6th.
Critics
Not everyone is happy to hear the news with animal rights campaigner John Carmody, saying: "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.
"Animal rights campaigners are not trying to be this year’s Christmas Grinch, but surely anyone in the right mind will join our calls to keep live animals out and at a minimum replace them with animal statuettes. Cribs represent a time in Ireland when we ignorant towards the feelings and rights of people, let alone animals."
