Six Laois venues were deemed successful applicants of the €4 million in funding to assist off peak entertainment in our towns and cities.
A total of 433 organisations have been offered funding from the Night-Time Economy Support Scheme across the country.
Applications were received from a wide range of venues including pubs, nightclubs, cafés, theatres, arts centres, galleries, museums and retail outlets.
The six Laois venues are: Lilly’s Bar & Kitchen; Seves Bar & Restaurant; Square Bar; Jeremiah Grant Bar & Eatery; After Dark; and Ballintubbert Gardens And House.
The scheme provided 75% of the required funding, with applicants required to fund the remaining 25%.
A maximum allowable grant of €10,000 per business or venue was available. It was a condition of funding that all artists and performers were paid.
There was a high level of interest in this pilot scheme, with over 470 creative and diverse applications submitted for consideration, reflecting the willingness of the night-time economy sector to be innovative and creative in their offerings.
Well in excess of 2000 events in every county across the country, have been approved for funding, they include live music, ranging from traditional music to electronic music, DJ nights, theatre, comedy, dance, literature, art and photographic exhibitions.
The Scheme included a specific strand of funding for unlicensed premises such as cafés, dry bars and other suitable venues to support diversification and inclusivity in our Night-Time Economy. Cafés and unlicensed premises have been awarded over €434,000 in funding.
Venues in rural towns and villages were also supported and funding was awarded to 252 venues outside of our cities.
The fund has been an important source of employment for Artists and Performers across the country with thousands of employment days generated by this Scheme.
Minister Pippa Hackett said: “I am delighted to hear there was a high level of interest in this scheme, which is important for increasing footfall in our towns.
“This is a win-win scheme – we as audiences get to enjoy events while artists and venues generate income they would not have had otherwise. The local economy benefits.
“If you are involved in the night-time economy in your area but missed out on this pilot scheme, Minister Catherin Martin secured €6 million as part of Budget 2023 and is currently considering the development of further initiatives.
“Keep an eye out or contact my office to be kept informed of future schemes.”
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