Plans are at an advanced stage for the greening of Killarney with all the public buildings to be illuminated in various shades of the national colour.

The plan is to decorate the town to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland this month.

Buildings that will be lit up include St Mary’s Cathedral, the Franciscan Friary, St Mary’s Church of Ireland, the Methodist Church, Ross Castle and Killarney Town Hall as well as landmark statues and monuments, such as the Speir Bhean, the carved deer feature on Port Road and the life-sized carving of St Finian of Innisfallen at the ANAM building on East Avenue Road.

“We want it to be a celebration to be proud of and one that will be a magnificent spectacle for locals and visitors,” said St Patrick’s Festival Chairman Paul Sherry.

Hotels, shops, restaurants, public houses and several other business premises will also turn green and everybody has been asked to make a special effort.

This year will also feature a shop window competition with prizes up for grabs for the best green building and the best themed shop window.