Rising insurance costs put future of festivals in doubt

THE future of hundreds of festivals nationwide is in doubt because of escalating insurance premiums, Fine Gael tourism spokesperson Jimmy Deenihan has warned.

The Association of Irish Festival Events (AOIFE) also fears many festivals can’t sustain rising insurance costs.

Insurance bills have risen by over 60% in the last five years. Premiums rose by 40% in the last year alone and problems in the economy could hit festivals further, AOIFE chairman Colm Croffy said.