Second phase of Irish festival funding announced

Around €320,000 in funding has been announced for major festivals and events around Ireland this year.

The allocation - which is the second phase of funding - has been approved by Fáilte Ireland under its National Festivals and Events Programme.

Eleven national festivals and events are set to benefit .

It follows an announcement of almost €2m last November for larger events.

"Festivals and events encourage greater visitor traffic and enhance the visitor’s experience wherever they occur," said Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Paschal Donohoe.

"Crucially, some of the events funded today will take place beyond the high season, during Autumn, and are key motivators for tourism later in the year."

Another round of funding for smaller and regional festivals will be announced in the coming weeks.

,b>The approved festivals being funded by Fáilte Ireland under the second phase of its National Programme for Festivals and Events include:

· Dublin Theatre Festival – €40,000

· Laya City Spectacular – €25,000

· Dublin Fringe Festival – €20,000

· Waterford Spraoi – €15,000

· Guinness Cork Jazz Festival – €30,000

· Cork Film Festival – €20,000

· Earagail Arts Festival – €40,000

· Galway Film Fleadh – €20,000

· Rose of Tralee – €30,000

· Galway Oyster Festival – €30,000

· Yeats 2015 International Festival – €50,000