Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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434. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if consideration will be given to offering grant aid towards the holding of the annual Canal Festival at Robertstown, Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25545/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Waterways Ireland that it supports events taking place along the navigations throughout the year through the Waterways Ireland Sponsorship Programme. Applications open in October each year for the following year to maximise opportunities for promotion. Following an evaluation process, financial, operational or promotional support, or a combination of these, may be offered to events meeting the criteria.

If the festival organisers wish to seek sponsorship from Waterways Ireland they should apply for 2014 programme when it is advertised later this year. I am informed that Waterways Ireland did not receive an application for sponsorship from representatives of the 2013 Canal Festival at Robertstown and wish to advise that Waterways Ireland is unable to offer support to events outside the Sponsorship Programme process.