Plea for more funding to safeguard festival culture in Kilkenny

Vintners across Kilkenny are urging Kilkenny County Council to boost financial support for local festivals to keep the county competitive.

The call was made by Chairman of Kilkenny Vintners, Anthony Morrison, during a presentation at County Hall this week, where he was joined by Eddie Langton.

“Competition is fierce at the moment, and other counties are trying to match us,” Morrison said. “There’s also stiff competition for sponsors, and we need increased funding to avoid being left behind.”

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Morrison stated that the council’s festival grant budget has remained stagnant at €112,000 for a number of years and that it is overdue for an increase.

He also emphasised the ‘halo effect’ that festivals have on local businesses and the economy.

Eddie Langton echoed Morrison’s sentiments, adding that more funding would greatly benefit the citizens of Kilkenny.

Mayor of Kilkenny Andrew McGuinness voiced his strong support for more investment in festivals.

“It’s an absolute no-brainer to invest as heavily as we can into our festivals by increasing grants,” he said.

“We are seen by many as the festival capital of Ireland. I know people for example who’ve been coming to the Roots festival every year for 26 years, bringing much-needed footfall to Kilkenny.”

McGuinness also called for discussions around festival funding to be prioritised during local authority budget discussions.

Kilkenny County Council provides annual funding to help festival organisers promote and develop events across both the city and county.

This funding supports festivals that have a significant positive impact on Kilkenny’s tourism sector.

The primary goal is to support participative events that boost tourism, aligning with the local authority’s broader tourism strategy and enhancing the visitor experience.

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