Donegal County Council candidate Siobhán McLaughlin (Labour).
LOCAL ELECTION candidate Siobhán McLaughlin (Labour) has welcome the announcement that just over €537,000 has been approved by Fáilte Ireland for 175 regional festivals and events taking place this year.
The figure includes €48,250 for 17 festivals and events in Donegal, including the Allingham Arts Festival, the MacGill Summer School, the Johnny Doherty Festival, the Taste of Donegal, and the Guth Gafa Film Festival.
“This funding for festivals and events which are an integral part of the culture and identity of Donegal is excellent news for our county,” said McLaughlin, a well-known community activist who is running for election in the Letterkenny/Milford Electoral Area.
“Not only will those who live here be able to benefit from these highlights of the local calendar, but they will also attract tourists to the area who provide a boost to the local economy.”
The announcement was made by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring, who said: “2013 was a great success for Irish tourism and regional festivals and events across the country played a big part in that success. We want to build on the legacy of The Gathering and ensure 2014 is even more successful.”
Fáilte Ireland research indicates that in 2011 there were 10,836 people in paid employment with festivals around Ireland. An additional 48,692 were involved in Irish festivals on a voluntary basis.
Other Donegal festivals and events which will receive funding include Oideas Gael, the North West Garden Show, Mary From Dungloe, the Ardara Festival Series, Sew North, Inishowen Traditional Singers Circle, Kilcar Fleadh, Loinneog Lunasa, the Ballyshannon Folk Festival, the Cup of Tae Festival, Donegal International Rally, and the Shore 2 Summit Rocks n Rollin’ Ultra Marathon.
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