Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
507. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the funding options available to celebrate in Portmagee the 100th Anniversary of the Spirit of St. Louis, Charles Lindbergh and the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34240/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.
€623,250 in funding is being made available to 31 local authorities under the 2026 Regional Festivals Fund, this Fund is implemented by Fáilte Ireland and will support approximately 250 festivals across the country. The 2026 Regional Festivals Fund allocation represents an increase on 2025 levels, ensuring that every local authority now receives a minimum of €10,000 to support local festival activity. In addition, a further €310,000 in funding is available to local authorities in 2026 specifically to support food festivals, and strengthen Ireland’s evolving culinary tourism offering.
I understand that the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has also previously made funding available to local authorities for the development of community-led commemorative programming. Through this allocation local communities have been supported as they identify and decide how to mark significant historical local events and personalities.
As such, groups wishing to seek funding support for local festivals or events such as the one mentioned, should contact their local authority in the first instance.
