An extra €320,000 in funding has been added towards upcoming festivals and events in 2015, adding to the €2 million that was allocated in November last year for larger events in 2015.
The increased funding was announced today by Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Paschal Donohoe. 11 key national festivals and events were the recipients of the support, approved by Fáilte Ireland under its National Festivals and Events Programme.
Minister Donohue expressed the impact that attractive festivals can have on tourism, especially since a lot of the events take place during high season in summer.
“I am confident that today’s targeted festival funding – following the first phase of funding late last year - will have a significant impact all around the country," said the Minister.
The €2 million announced in November is for the main events taking place this year, such as the St. Patrick's Day parade and activities. The special interest festivals, such as the Dublin Fringe Festival, were the beneficiaries today.
Furthermore, the Minister announced his intentions to target smaller, regional events for funding in the upcoming weeks.
Below is the list of festivals that were approved today and how much they will receive:
Dublin Theatre Festival – €40,000 Laya City Spectacular – €25,000 Dublin Fringe Festival – €20,000 Waterford Spraoi – €15,000 Guinness Cork Jazz Festival – €30,000 Cork Film Festival – €20,000 Earagail Arts Festival – €40,000 Galway Film Fleadh – €20,000 Rose of Tralee – €30,000 Galway Oyster Festival – €30,000 Yeats 2015 International Festival – €50,000
