07/04/2014

€1.3m Fund For Festivals And Events Unveiled

More than €1.3m in Fáilte Ireland funding has been set aside for 29 festivals and events being held across Ireland this year.

They include the Cork International Choral Festival, the Great Limerick Run, Listowel Writer's Week, Galway Arts Festival and the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival.

Making the announcement, Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, Michael Ring, said: "This new funding for 29 festivals will boost our events schedule for overseas visitors and give them even more reasons to visit our country.

"Visitor numbers continue to grow so far this year with an 11.3% increase from December 2013 to February 2014 compared to last year."

Minister Ring continued: "Fáilte Ireland research indicates that in 2011 there were 10,836 people in paid employment in festivals. Additionally, 48,692 people around Ireland were engaged with festivals in Ireland on a voluntary basis. This gives a very important boost to local economies.

"Our tourism investment is further justified by the recent figures showing strong growth in revenue from overseas visitors, which came to €3.3 billion last year excluding fares."

Fáilte Ireland CEO, Shaun Quinn, added: "Festivals and events are the lifeblood of Irish tourism – complementing the beauty of our landscapes and the friendliness of our people with a rich variety of spectacle and experiences.

"These events will provide the backbone to the tourism calendar in communities throughout the country and add to our ability to grow overseas visitors and revenue."

(JP)

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