25 January 2019
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Over €194,000 in funding has been allocated to festivals here in Cork, as part of its 2019 Regional Festivals & Participative Events Programme.
Senator Colm Burke
Cork North Central, Senator Colm Burke said this will boost tourist numbers and should increase the footfall to our local businesses here in Cork.
“This funding will be provided by Fáilte Ireland to local festivals which apply to its Regional Festivals and Participative Events Programme.
“The programme is reviewed every year with a view to generating incremental visitor growth and revenue. Festivals and events are critical for tourism growth as they specifically attract more than 200,000 overseas visitors to Ireland and contribute more than €108million to the economy every year.
“These festivals really add to the character of the area and are great for generating community spirit.
“The allocation of funding will be used to enhance existing festivals, develop new festival ideas and support St. Patrick’s Day celebrations here in Cork the Fine Gael Senator said.
Making the announcement, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD said:
“With many challenges on the horizon for tourism, this announcement is a welcome start to 2019.
“Not only do festivals and events play an important role in delivering brilliant visitor experiences, they often encourage people to visit areas outside of traditional tourism hotspots and outside of peak times, helping to spread the benefits of tourism to communities throughout Ireland.
Programmes receiving funding in Cork:-
| Name of Festival | Funding Amount | |
| Cork International Choral Festival | €65,000 | |
| Cork Midsummer Festival | €16,000 | |
| West Cork Chamber Music & Literary Festival | €65,000 | |
| A Taste of West Cork | €9,500 | |
| Guinness Cork Jazz Festival | €30,000 | |
| Cork Film Festival | €8,500 | |
| TOTAL FUNDING; | €194,000 |
