The live animal crib is to return to the Mansion House in Dublin this Christmas, Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste has announced.

There was controversy and a break with tradition last year when the crib – featuring a donkey, two sheep and a goat gathered around a scene depicting the nativity – moved to St Stephen’s Green after then lord mayor, Green Party councillor Caroline Conroy, objected to it citing, without evidence, animal welfare grounds.

The crib, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, had been in place on the forecourt of the Mansion House since 1995.

Announcing the return of the crib to the Mansion House, Mr de Róiste (FF) said tradition was “such an important aspect of Christmas” and that for many Dubliners, including himself, the crib “was always a huge part of that”.