Fáilte Ireland cutbacks may hit festivals

LEADING festivals in Kerry could be hit by reductions in grants from Fáilte Ireland and local business interests may be expected to make up the shortfall.

The grant to Killarney Summerfest, for instance, this year comes to €150,000 - €100,000 less than last year - and business people are being asked to contribute €100,000 to make sure the event is run to the same standards as in previous years.

Kris Kristoferrson, the Corrs and Tom Jones have been among the top-line acts to perform in open air concerts at Summerfest.