Press Release for Immediate Release – 26th March 2021

Call for applications for Festival & Event Funding for 2021

Carlow County Council has this week announced details of its Community Festival and Events funding for 2021, supporting community organisations in the County to create experiences for visitors and locals. The supports this year will offer a combination of training and funding for eligible groups, and have a significant focus on commercial tourism benefit to support the reboot of the economy. 

Co-ordinating the scheme for 2021 , Tommie Hickson , Economic Development officer (Acting) with the Local Enterprise Office said “This year’s County Council Festival & Event Scheme in partnership with Failte Ireland fund allocations, will support the work of many of the county’s community groups which support our Tourism Sector in the County”, Tommie continued to say “we look forward to supports the potential in communities for 2021 and beyond with this project”.

Welcoming the allocations Cllr. Tom O’Neill – Cathaoirleach with 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. O’Neill 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 supports for 2021, Helen Ryan , Assistant Head of Economic Development & Enterprise (Acting) said “it should be remembered that the festivals sector, in addition to the cultural and social benefits, also play an important part in supporting the local economy by helping to form a positive image of County Carlow as a culturally vibrant visitor destination”. Helen continued to say “it is essential that as a local authority we take a prudent approach to supporting safe experiences and their development by community groups in the form of this new scheme and we look forward to working with the groups on the ground in the creation of new visitor experiences”.

An information briefing on the application process will be held on 12th April 2021 @ 8.00pm via Zoom and you can register HERE

To apply Click HERE

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For further information contact Helen Ryan on 059-9129783 / hryan@carlowcoco.ie or Tommie Hickson on thickson@carlowcoco.ie