‘Ridiculous’ cost of St Patrick's Day parades in Limerick towns and villages slammed

THE COSTS associated with arranging St Patrick's Day parades in towns and villages across Limerick have soared to as high as €40,000, it has been claimed.

The figure was revealed at the February meeting of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District.

Ahead of the meeting, Independent Ireland councillor Tommy Hartigan tabled a motion seeking “adequate funding” for the three parades planned for the district this year.

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He said he found the detailed written reply from Brendan Troy, head of Economic and Tourism Development, “a bit disappointing” as it focused on funding for St Patrick’s Day 2027 rather than providing any funding for the 2026 festivities.

He remarked that “pub collections can only get you so much” highlighting the massive parade that children in Limerick city get, while the children in Askeaton, Adare and Rathkeale “rely on volunteers” for their parades.

Cllr Hartigan explained that these parades are arranged at a “huge cost” to the villages.

In addition to insurance and road closures, he said it can cast up €4,000 to have a band or other entertainment.

Councillor John O’Donoghue seconded the motion saying: “These parades mean an awful lot to those who live in the district”, reiterating his belief that “it is important to keep these parades alive” as that they are “always struggling” with funds.

Councillor Adam Teskey said St Patrick’s Day is becoming “overly commercialised” in general and is “nearly a cash cow” for some of those who take part in bigger parades.

“This is not what St Patrick himself was about. It’s ridiculous that a parade could now cost in excess of €40,000” he added.

Cllr Bridie Collins said the Adare and Askeaton parades attract up to 10,000 people each year, but that “funds do not reflect this.” She noted that the Limerick city parade receives €250,000 in funding from the local authority.