Country gears up for ‘greening’ of landmarks

Minister for Tourism Leo Varadkar yesterday announced more landmark buildings in Dublin and across Ireland will be turning green this year to mark St Patrick’s Day.

Some of the landmarks include the GPO, the Rock of Cashel, Trim Castle, Heuston Station and the National Gallery.

Mr Varadkar said he hoped to make the “greening” of buildings a “permanent feature” of St Patrick’s Day.

“This is the second year that Irish buildings have taken part in the global greening and I hope we can make it a permanent feature of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations,” he said.

“With famous places across the world going green, I think it’s hugely important that our own landmarks also take part. Last year’s Irish greening was a great success and really added to the atmosphere around St Patrick’s Day.

“It’s great to see new arrivals like Kilkenny Castle and Ennis Friary, alongside the likes of the Rock of Cashel and Áras an Uachtaráin which featured in last year’s festival.”

Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works Brian Hayes said a total of 28 buildings under the remit of the OPW would take part in the greening this year.

“I look forward to seeing our State buildings illuminated in green over the course of the festivities.”

In Dublin buildings will include Áras an Uachtaráin, Leinster House, Government Buildings, the National Gallery, Dublin Castle and the Four Courts.

Other public bodies have confirmed their buildings will also be taking part.

These include Heuston and Connolly Stations, Dublin Airport, Busáras and local authorities across the country.

Five OPW buildings are taking part for the first time: Ennis Friary; Donegal Castle; Rathfarnham Castle; Kilkenny Castle; and 52 St Stephens Green (the OPW Office).

The St Patrick’s Festival Company has also made contact with the City Council and others to arrange for Trinity College, the GPO, the Mansion House and other buildings to take part.

Meanwhile, it was announced yesterday that former Riverdance star Michael Flatley is to join politicians and dignitaries to lead the St Patrick's Day parade in London this Sunday.