The Office of Public Works was delighted to house the live animal crib at the Summer House on St Stephen's Green, and would like to thank the public for coming in their tens of thousands to see it. The crib has now closed for the Christmas period.
Just over 33,000 people visited the Live Crib at the Summer House in St Stephen’s Green.
The Live Crib opened on Thursday 8 December and closed on Thursday 22 December (14 days in total).
Daisy the donkey, Lily the goat and Peter and Paul the sheep were very well taken care of and have returned to their home in Wicklow on the Sherlock family farm. Feed, fresh water and fresh bedding were available to them every day at the Summer House.
Thanks to the IFA, Fionn Sherlock and his family (for providing the animals), the IFA volunteers, the OPW Event Management Unit, and the staff of St Stephen’s Green Park.
Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick O’Donovan, said:
“I am delighted that the OPW was in a position to host the animals in a safe and accessible location, and that so many people came to visit the crib in the lead up to Christmas. It's a very special time for families to pause and reflect on the story of the nativity, and the OPW is proud to have brought that story to life for all the thousands of children who flocked to see the crib this year.”
President of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), Tim Cullinan said:
“The Live Crib is such a wonderful part of Christmas and we want to acknowledge the support of OPW in making it happen in St Stephen’s Green. Our thanks to them and our farmer who worked to ensure the safeguarding and comfort of the animals over the fortnight in St Stephen’s Green.”
Staff at St. Stephen’s Green reported very positive feedback from members of the public of all ages, with many people commenting that they were pleased to see the animals in the park surroundings.
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The total cost for installing the Live Crib in St. Stephen’s Green was €31,133 (excl. VAT).
The Live Crib has been running from 8 December to 22 December 2022.
The total cost for running the Live Crib over two weeks was €13,753.50 (excl. VAT).
A vet was made available to check on the animals if the owner desired.
Welfare is paramount and the shelter in the Summer House has been installed in line with the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council’s Guidelines.