More funding needed to keep summer festivals running – Boyle

Increased support is needed to help festivals in towns and communities across the country, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Manus Boyle said local summer festivals across the country are struggling to run events due to increased costs.

“Many of our regional and rural festivals are really struggling and fearing for their future. We’ve seen the increased cost of running a festival, with the high cost of insurance, operational costs, site set up costs, and energy costs, so we need to see increased funding to support these community groups.”

Senator Boyle, from Donegal, said community run festivals, regattas and local community events across the island are a highlight of the Summer for hundreds of thousands of people.

“They are an annual tradition and often the pride of a locality hosting their main event. Many people who have moved from their homeplace to other areas of Ireland or abroad plan to come home to coincide when their local festival is on. It is an opportunity for friendships and families to be reunited and provides so many happy occasions during the Irish Summer.

“In Donegal, the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival has been an integral part of the community for over two decades and now attracts visitors from all over the world each year to Ballyshannon.

“Fáilte Ireland research shows that the festival generates €4m to the local economy and a total of €5 million nationally – taking into account the time spent by visitors elsewhere in the country including travel along the Wild Atlantic Way.

“As well as celebrating and promoting the music of this wonderful musician, and supporting Irish and international musical artists, the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival is vital for the survival of the local economy in South Donegal.

“I have asked my colleague Minister Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, to urgently address the need for increased financial support for our local festivals across Ireland, like the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival.

“Our community festivals bring people together, strengthening relationships and creating a sense of belonging. They provide a platform for residents to connect, interact, and build stronger community ties.

“Festivals can be a significant draw for tourists, bringing new visitors to the town who might not otherwise consider visiting. Tourism revenue generated by festivals can be a major boost for the local economy and can also raise awareness of the town as a tourist destination, potentially attracting future visitors.

“We need our festivals to survive and continue, not just as a celebration of our musical heritage and the arts, but to contribute as a cornerstone of the local economy in small towns throughout the country”, concluded Senator Boyle.