Event organisers in Cork should apply for funding to ensure maximise impact for events and festivals
Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed the announcement of an additional €2 million in funding for the Gathering 2013. Half of the funding is being provided by IPB insurance with matching funds being supplied by Government. These additional funds are being made available due to the huge number of festivals and events that are being planned across the country as a means of attracting the Irish Diaspora to come home to Ireland next year.
“Two million euro in additional funding for The Gathering 2013 will be used to organise events and activities at local level. This will be of great assistance to people across Cork in their efforts to organise local gatherings as part of the biggest tourism initiative ever planned in Ireland.
“The fund will be administered by local authorities to support activities and I am encouraging anyone in Cork who is interested in planning an event to get in touch with either Cork City or Cork County Council. Each council will be administering grants of between €25,000 and €60,000 which will support up to three flagship events. For local and community events grants of between €500 and €2,500 will also be available.
“The Gathering 2013 is a fantastic opportunity for each locality to demonstrate all they have to offer. It’s a fantastic excuse to bring friend and family home or to encourage those who merely have an interest in Ireland and Irish culture to pay us a visit. It is hoped that the year-long series of festivals and events will bring an additional 325,000 tourists to Ireland next year which have a significant impact on our economy, contributing to our overall economic recovery.
“The Gathering will not only have benefits for tourism in Cork but it should also bring enhanced opportunities for the business community in terms of forging links and relationships for future trade.
“To date, there have been between 6,000 and 7,000 people attending meetings to organise events in every constituency in Ireland. It is estimated that the additional funds announced today will help to support a further 700 events across the country. IPB is to be commended for its generosity in making funds available and I would encourage anyone in Cork who is interested in getting involved with The Gathering to contact their local authority to apply for funding.”