€3m Boost expected to County Carlow economy from 17 unique visitor experience festivals and events.

Today (12^th March 2018), Carlow County Council approved a community tourism festivals and events package valued at €119,500 in partnership with Failte Ireland as part of its ongoing support for the Tourism Sector in County Carlow.

17 festivals and events projects, 3 community tourism venues and 1 development programme were approved following a competitive application and evaluation process which will result in thousands of visitors to the County during 2018 which are estimated to generate €3million to the local economy.

Speaking about the approval, Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council said “communities play a critical role in the development of our festivals and events and we in Carlow County Council are delighted to provide this support to community organisations who aim to create visitor experiences that enhance County Carlow’s attractiveness from a tourism experience viewpoint” , Holohan continued to say “this support package is just one element of our overall support of the tourism sector in County Carlow which supports many jobs in our local economy”.

Supporting the Scheme, Cllr. William Paton, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said “ Festivals and events provide a great motivation for visitors to travel to County Carlow and add another dimension to the tourist experience on the ground and they are the life-blood of tourism and mobilise many visitors to choose to come to County Carlow in the first instance”, Paton continued to say “This funding this will boost tourist numbers and should increase the footfall to our local businesses here in County Carlow."

The scheme is administered by Carlow County Council’s – Local Enterprise Office , Kieran Comerford , Head of Enterprise of the Local Enterprise Office said “in 2018 we received an increased volume of applications on 2017 and while we are delighted to support a large number of festivals the development of new festivals is of paramount importance and we are delighted that part of this year’s support package includes a development programme and fund for new festivals which will commence on 11^th April 2018”, Comerford continued to say “this programme is designed to assist new groups to develop new festivals and events for the County and then pilot elements of these in 2018 and we look forward to working with communities on this process”.

Festivals & Events Recommended for Approval

Community Tourism Venue Funding

Development Programme & Pilot Festival Grants

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For further information contact Kieran Comerford 086/8252037 E-mail: kcomerford@Carlowcoco.ie