Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2023
132. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide details of the funding and supports being provided by her Department to the St. Patrick’s Festival (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5708/23]
View answerSt. Patrick’s Day offers an important opportunity to provide an uplifting celebration of Irish culture, creativity and heritage on both a domestic and international stage.
My Department has provided €600,000 to St Patrick's Festival for many of the activities to be hosted by the festival this year, which includes the Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, which will be home to a magical urban festival for all from March 16th to 18th.
Collins Barracks, one of Ireland’s most spectacular and historic heritage sites in the heart of Dublin, will feature Spiegeltent Mór and Spiegeltent Beag, a 3,000 capacity outdoor Main Stage, Story Yurt, performance spaces, relaxation areas, a mini-funfair including Ferris Wheel and the Irish Food and Craft Village.
Fáilte Ireland has also provided €1 million to St Patrick's Festival. Fáilte Ireland funding will be invested in the national parade, Suntas (a series of supersize building activations and cultural interventions taking place at iconic locations throughout the Festival, culminating in a spectacular aerial performance as part of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade) and the overall marketing of the Festival. The national parade is attended by approximately 450,000 people and there are significant costs for an event of this size to ensure that it is both entertaining and a safe experience for all.
