Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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718. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the funding stream whence the recent €25,000 allocation to the Listowel Writer’s Week Literary Festival came; if this funding opportunity was advertised and available to other arts festivals throughout the State; and if he will outline the application process and how funding allocations were decided. [30175/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Starting in 1955, the Listowel Writers' Festival is the oldest event of its type in Ireland. It has attracted a loyal following over many years, is keenly supported by enthusiasts of Irish writing and greatly appreciated by the local community.

The festival organisers have been successful over the years in meeting the operational costs of the festival. Fees for artists and writers along with festival overheads (such as office rental, insurance, phones/broadband, technical support, light and sound production etc.) exceed €35,000. The Festival Committee are confident to continue to meet these recurring costs.

There is currently a surge of renewed interest in the Writers' Museum and Festival, along with a vision of the potential growth and promotion to a bigger future. To this end, a strengthening of governance and financial systems is envisaged which will include a review and audit of the festivals of 2023 and 2024. Templates and training materials for the festival in 2025 and onwards are being produced.

Complementing the annual support scheme for the operational costs of community based festivals and summer schools provided from my Department's Vote, my Department can also be approached on an exceptional basis to assist with developmental needs. Assessment of proposals will have regard to national or regional profile, past performance, availability and effective use of resources, and the anticipated progress and sustainability of the initiative. It was within this framework that special support of €25,000 was allocated towards the regeneration and development of the Listowel Writers' Festival Festival.