A last effort to save the traditional live-animal crib outside Dublin’s Mansion House will be made at a meeting of Dublin City Council tonight.

Lord Mayor Caroline Conroy of the Green Party last month announced the crib, which has been erected at Christmas outside the Manion House on Dawson Street since 1995, would be stood down this year.

Ms Conroy, a Green Party councillor said she intended to introduce a more “inclusive” winter wonderland-style experience, with choirs, sleighs and post boxes at the Mansion House in place of the nativity with live animals.

Her decision has drawn criticism from politicians from a number of parties as well as the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.