Council is criticised over ‘paltry’ funding for Limerick parades

LIMERICK City and County Council has been criticised for the “paltry” financial support it gives to St Patrick's Day parades in towns and villages across County Limerick.

In a motion, before last week’s Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District meeting, Cllr Mike Donegan called on the council to allocate funding to support St Patrick's Day parades which are to take place within the municipal district.

In reply, the council said the festivals and events team has put in place a grant scheme for St Patrick’s Day parades around the county and within each municipal district.

Details of the scheme have been communicated to the elected members and relevant community groups.

Cllr Donegan said there are parades in Kilmallock, Kilfinane, Ballylanders and Bruff and that the total contribution from the council is €2,500.

Of that €1,000 will go to Kilmallock with €500 each for Kilfinane, Ballylanders and Bruff.

Cllr Donegan said funding for the city’s St Patrick’s day parade and the International band parade runs into six figures.

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“We are getting a paltry €2,500. Kilmallock and Bruff have to hold fundraisers. What fundraising is done in the city?” he asked.

“Respect the communities and organisations who organise the parades,” he added.

Cllr Martin Ryan seconded the motion saying: “St Patrick’s Day is for us all to show our heritage. Every effort should be put into supporting our local parades.”

Cathaoirleach John Egan agreed, saying he attended Bruff’s parade last year and that great credit goes to the organisers and participants.

Cllr Eddie Ryan said it (the level of funding) is “just not good enough” and that a minimum of €1,000 should be allocated to each parade.

Cllr Brigid Teefy lent her support too.

“A big cost is insurance. Herbertstown is not having a parade,” she commented.

Cllr Ger Mitchell agreed and said the funding should be increased to €2,000 per parade.

Cllr Donegan noted that Newcastle West - the biggest town in the county- isn’t having a parade due to rising costs.

Brian Kennedy, director of transport and mobility, told members he was taking on board the comments.

However, he said he couldn’t commit to anything but undertook to raise it with Gordon Daly, director of community, tourism and culture.