Second phase of national festivals funding along with investment in over 200 regional events will assist visitor growth across the country throughout 2016
The Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, has today (Friday) announced that funding of over €1 million is to be allocated to 218 national and regional festivals and events by Fáilte Ireland, under its 2016 Festivals and Events Programme. This investment includes almost €325,000 for the second phase of funding of large national festivals as well as just under €695,000 for smaller regional events.
Announcing the grants, Minister Ring explained the significance of such funding for tourism: “The funding announced today will allow counties across the country to broaden their appeal to overseas visitors and attract visitors who are actively seeking to fully experience Ireland in all its aspects – from culture and sport, to festivals and fun.”
“Festivals and events are the life-blood of tourism and mobilise many visitors to choose to come to Ireland in the first instance. With this funding, we can provide the magnets for tourism activity – throughout the country and throughout the year – which will sustain jobs and generate revenue for many rural communities.”
The approved festivals being funded by Fáilte Ireland under the second phase of its National Programme for Festivals and Events include:
- Dublin Theatre Festival – €45,000
- Dublin Fringe Festival – €25,000
- Kilkenny Arts Festival – €65,000
- Cat Laughs – €30,000
- Guinness Cork Jazz Festival – €35,000
- Cork Film Festival – €15,000
- Kilkenomics – €20,000
- Dingle Marathon – €10,000
- Rose of Tralee – €30,000
- Clifden Arts Festival – €14,000
- Galway International Oyster Festival – €35,000
A full list of the 207 regional festivals allocated funding can be found in the notes to editor.
As well as attracting visitors, festivals are important in terms of generating employment and community engagement. The objective of Fáilte Ireland’s 2016 National Festivals Programme is to drive growth from key overseas markets through compelling experiences that are attractive to our target audiences and to generate additional overseas visitors across the country and across the calendar year.
Shaun Quinn, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, stressed the importance of festivals for Ireland and the tourism sector: “While recent tourism performance from overseas markets has been encouraging, we are determined to build on this momentum to drive and sustain economic growth. Ensuring that Ireland is offering compelling reasons for overseas visitors to choose Ireland, our festivals calendar plays an important role in ensuring that we have a varied and attractive menu of things to see and do for tourists. These festivals, both national and regional, that we are supporting today will provide the backbone to this year’s tourism event calendar and add to our ability to grow overseas visitors and revenue.”
Find out more about Fáilte Ireland’s National Festival Programme.
Link to first phase of national funding in 2016 can be found here
