A Sinn Fein councillor in Limerick has objected to council plans for a 'One Giant Leap' theme for this year's St Patrick's Day festival.

The Limerick Leader has reported that Councillor Seighin O’Ceallaigh said he was opposing the theme, and described the moon landing as "much-disputed" and "fake news".

The Sinn Fein councillor said that the moon landing had nothing to do with Limerick and suggested that the funding should be spent on events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Limerick Soviet.

Arts and Culture Officer with Limerick City and County Council Shelia Deegan explained that the event would not be a "commemoration of the moon landing," but rather marking the progress made in across the area.

“The theme is just an idea about recognising the growth in Limerick over the past number of years,” she said.

An estimated 70,000 people are expected to attend events during the St Patrick's Day festival. It is set to cost the council around €285,000 to run.

Belfast Telegraph