€50,000 to support Christmas events in Mayo towns
MINISTER of State Alan Dillon has today announced €50,000 for Mayo County Council to support Christmas events and initiatives across the county.
Last month the minister invited funding proposals from local authorities along the western seaboard, in recognition of the unique challenges faced in these counties.
He has now confirmed funding of €50,000 each for Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway City and County, Clare, Limerick and Kerry.
While much of the funding will support Christmas lighting and markets across the region, there will also be support for other initiatives.
All schemes have the common objective of enhancing the festive atmosphere in rural towns and villages, encouraging people to shop local and support their town centres in the run up to Christmas.
Mayo County Council will divide the allocation equally across the four municipal districts for a range of initiatives to include Christmas lights, outdoor movies, Christmas markets and a Christmas train.
Said Minister Dillon: “Christmas is a special time of year for every community. I am delighted my department received a very positive response to this Christmas support proposal, and such a number of local initiatives were put forward for funding.
“I am delighted to confirm that I have allocated funding to 14 towns all across Mayo and to each local authority along the western seaboard who will receive funding for festive events that will encourage people to shop local this Christmas.”
The breakdown of funding for Mayo approved under this once off allocation is as follows.
Castlebar Municipal District (MD): Outdoor movie nights €3,500, Christmas markets €5,000, Christmas in the Barracks €1,000, Christmas train €2,500, marketing and promotion €500.
Ballina MD: Crossmolina festival lights €2,500, Ballina Christmas lights €2,500, Knockmore Christmas lights €2,500, Killala Christmas festival €2,500, Ballina Frosty Festival €2,500.
Claremorris MD: Claremorris festival lights €1,785, Ballinrobe Christmas lights/tractor run €1,785, Ballyhaunis upgrading of network to support Christmas lights €1,790, Swinford support for Christmas events €1,785, Foxford support Christmas events €1,785, Charlestown support Christmas events €1,785, Kiltimagh support Christmas events €1,785.
Westport/Belmullet MD: Belmullet Christmas markets €5,000, Seisiún na nÓg don Nollaig €500, sensory Santa for children with special needs €500, Western Care Association adults with special needs afternoon Christmas celebration in AIG €500, Christmas train €2,500, Newport Christmas lights €3,500.