Longford county councillor says he will bring own lights for Baby Loss Awareness

A Longford county councillor has vowed to bring his own lights to council buildings on October 15 to honour a request from bereaved parents that the building be lit up in blue and pink to mark International Baby Loss Awareness Day.

Cllr Kevin Hussey made his comments at a recent meeting of the Longford Mid Municipal District during a discussion over his motion to light up the offices in the symbolic colours.

Read more: Longford Penneys department manager runs fundraiser for Alzheimer's

The council was also informed that a memorial would be taking place in the garden opposite the council.

Said Cllr Hussey, “I know last year we did get the lights changed but they were completely the wrong colour. Orange and some other colour,” he said.

“Changing the lights to blue and pink is a symbol of solidarity, hope, and remembrance. What hit me quite hard was when one parent said to me, ‘we can’t buy a birthday or Christmas present for our babies but for one day we can remember them by doing something as simple as turning the lights pink and blue.’

“This is why it’s important that we mark this day as it shows that every parent, grandparent, sibling and family member affected by baby loss that they are not alone and that their grief, and their babies will never be forgotten.”

The motion was seconded by Cllr Peggy Nolan who stressed the importance of using the correct colours this year.

Cllr Monaghan also expressed support, stating that the gesture should be given the full backing of the council.

Addressing the council in response to the motion, Director of Services, John Brannigan, said he appreciated the sentiment but that a decision had previously been reached by the Corporate Policy Group that council buildings would not be lit up for any event.

He explained that the proposal would have to be referred back to the Corporate Policy Group for a review.

Cllr Hussey requested to know when the policy group was scheduled to meet again and added that if the date fell after Baby Loss Awareness Day on October 15, then he would bring his own lights from his line of work in the music business and install them himself in order to honour the request of bereaved parents.

Read more: RIP: Longford saddened by death of remarkable lady who was an inspiration to everyone

Mr Brannigan confirmed the group were scheduled to meet on October 8.

Speaking via video link, Cllr Monaghan voiced his support for his fellow councillor’s idea and said, “if Cllr Hussey needs any assistance, be it financially or in any other way in putting up the lights himself, I would be happy to lend my support.”