Tourism Events and Festivals Grant

Laois County Council provides financial support to community and voluntary groups to support festivals and events which attract visitors to the County - The Tourism Grant Scheme (Festivals and Events)

  1. Introduction
  2. Objective
  3. What does the grant cover? 
  4. How much is the grant?
  5. How do I apply?
  6. Further information

Introduction

Laois County Council’s Tourism Grants Scheme aims to promote and support tourism festival and events that will result in a social, cultural and economic benefit to the County.  The Council recognises the contribution that tourism makes to the lives of the people of the county and the economic benefits in terms of increased activity and visitor numbers.  In recognition of these benefits, and the extent of the voluntary effort involved in the organisation of festivals and events, the Council will be making available a Tourism Grants Scheme in 2024.  

Objective 

The main purpose of the Grants Scheme is to provide financial assistance to groups and organisations engaged in festivals and events at local level. The emphasis of the scheme is on providing funding for a diverse range of projects thus ensuring that the limited financial resources available is used to the maximum benefit of the community at large.  Not-for-profit community or voluntary groups can apply.  Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible for funding. 

What does the grant cover? 

The Council will provide grant funding to qualifying festivals and events to assist with costs associated with organising the festival/event.  Applications received by Laois County Council will be assessed and if successful an email of offer will issue to successful applicants.  

How much is the grant?

The maximum grant payable under this scheme is €3,000. 

Payment of the grant will be made when the event has been held and a Post Event Report submitted giving details of expenditure and the general running of the event.  

Completed applications to be submitted via Laois County Council website, or to the email address below.  Each application submitted will be evaluated and a decision in relation to an offer of grant funding will be based on the following: 

How do I apply?

  1. The number of visitors attracted from within and outside the county; 
  2. The extent to which proposed initiatives maximise community participation; 
  3. The additional economic activity generated by the event; 
  4. Number of people attending the festival or event; 
  5. The extent to which the proposed initiative contributes to 2024 Laois Calendar of     Events; 
  6. The extent to which the project proposed is unique, innovative, creative, interesting and likely to have future potential; 
  7. Environmental sustainability (reduce, re-use, re-cycle); 
  8. Availability of grant funding. 

Further information

For further information please contact Ms. Elaine Moore, Administrative Officer, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co. Laois by emailing emoore@laoiscoco.ie or phone 057 866 4218