€2.2m Impact from Council’s Festivals & Events Programme

Carlow County Council has this week announced community festival, events and venue funding to 18 Community organisations in the County. Grants totally €100k were approved by Carlow County Council’s February Meeting of Council.

This year’s County Council Festivals, Events & Venue fund allocations will support the work of many of the county’s community groups which support our Tourism Sector in the County.

Welcoming the allocations Cllr. Charlie Murphy – Cathaoirleach, Carlow County Council said that it was important that the Council support community led, festivals, events & venues which attract visitors to our County particularly in view of the fact that so much activity is generated by the work of voluntary organisations.  Murphy continued to say “Voluntary effort, plays a huge role in the county’s festival scene, providing opportunities for both the business and wider community”.

Speaking about the scheme, Kieran Comerford – Head of Enterprise with the Council’s Local Enterprise Office said “it should be remembered that the festivals sector, in addition to its cultural and social benefits is also important to the local economy and to tourism by helping to form the positive image of County Carlow as a culturally vibrant visitor destination”. Comerford continued to explain “that it is envisaged that 2.2m million worth of spending will be created in the local economy as a result of these 18 projects”

Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive said that “the Festivals, Events & Venue programme is just one of an array of financial supports that the Council now has in place to help drive balanced economic, social, cultural and community development via its dedicated Local Enterprise Office. In 2016 the Council will expend over €1million through its Economic Development Department on a variety of enterprise support and economic development projects.