Donegal to benefit from support fund for Christmas markets and lights

Donegal County Council will benefit from the introduction of a once-off €50,000 allocation from the Local Government Fund.

Nine local authorities will receive the funding for Christmas events which will be aimed to generate footfall and activity to support these smaller town centres and revitalise the local economy in the run-up to Christmas 2024.

The allocation of funding is in recognition of the unique and significant economic challenges faced by businesses and local authorities in Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway City and County, Clare, Limerick and Kerry.

It is envisaged that each local authority will receive €50,000, although the final allocations will be based on the applications approved. 

This will help communities in Donegal run events, Fine Gael Senator and General Election Candidate Nikki Bradley said, with the funding to be used to support Christmas markets, or other festive activities such as Christmas lights, in smaller rural towns in Donegal.

“It’s great to see the introduction of this initiative,” she said. “Particularly for our towns with a population of less than 5,000 which will be prioritised to receive funding. The allocation of funding is in recognition of the unique and significant economic challenges faced by businesses in Donegal.

“Donegal county council plays a vital role in supporting businesses in Donegal throughout the year, and I know this will be a valuable resource for communities in the run up to Christmas.

When we encourage initiatives such as these, we’re supporting the businesses that make our towns and communities so unique during the festive season.

“Fine Gael and Minister Alan Dillon want to support local communities and businesses, especially during the busy Christmas period. The events that arise from this funding will hopefully encourage more people to shop in their town centre and support the local economy throughout the Christmas period.”