Three popular music venues in Limerick to receive up to €15,000 under new scheme

MUSIC venues in Limerick are among a number throughout the country that will receive funding as part of the Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme.

“The scheme is aimed to support emerging local musicians”, said local Fine Gael Cabinet Minister Patrick O’Donovan.

Minister O’Donovan said this funding will assist small, established grassroots music venues to showcase the talent of emerging musicians from Limerick and across the country.

“This is a great opportunity for musicians who are starting out in Limerick in their playing careers to get the exposure and experience of performing in their local venue" said the minister.

Among the 33 approved applicants are three popular Limerick venues, including Dolans on the Dock Road, The Commercial on Catherine Street, and Cleary's Bar in Newcastle West. 

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Minister Patrick O’Donovan has today announced the recipients of the Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme, which provides €500,000 in funding across the country, saying "Giving people a start in their music career and supporting local businesses are hand in glove priorities for Fine Gael, and I look forward to continuing my work to expand and grow supports like these for the local area.

“In particular, it’s great to see so many venues in rural towns and villages are being supported, with funding awarded to 16 venues outside of our major cities.

“Following the announcement of the Scheme in March 2025, there was a high level of interest in this pilot scheme, with nearly 100 applications submitted before the scheme was closed. I will work hard to ensure that schemes such as this will continue to run again, and indeed, to consider what more we can do to assist venues and musicians across Limerick in the time ahead”, said Minister O’Donovan.

The minister added: “Our grassroots music venues play a vital role in nurturing emerging musicians and providing them with an opportunity to hone their talent, and it is very important that we recognise their contribution to the music industry, particularly given the challenges these venues face.

“I look forward to seeing the diversity of genres and talent that will reach new audiences as a result of this funding over the months ahead. I’d also encourage music lovers from across the country to embrace the resources of their local venues and support artists in the early stages of their careers.”