A council’s funding pot for St Patrick’s Day fringe events in the final resting place of Ireland’s patron saint has flopped with over 80% of the cash not awarded.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council had launched its first ever such funding for groups to bring about additional artistic experiences to the March 17 calendar event.
According to a council report, only three groups applied for funds totalling a £1,400 pay out by the council, but the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that a budget of £10k had been set aside for the fringe initiative.
In chambers, Downpatrick Sinn Fein councillor Oonagh Hanlon, who was central in bringing about the fringe funding said: “I think it is a bit disappointing that the community groups or whoever was going to apply to the fringe funding didn’t get the full benefit of the financial assistance call.
“I would ask that it goes out again next year, maybe there’ll be more uptake if more people know about it in more time.”
Earlier this year the local authority held details behind closed doors in August with the pilot scheme now seemingly affected by a lack of public information
St Patrick is said to have been buried at Down Cathedral in the 5th century with the town gaining its name from its connection to the Saint.
On its website, the St Patrick’s Centre based in Downpatrick describes itself as ‘the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint’.
The council pilot provided up to £500 to applicants to organise fringe events with only two out of the three groups that applied gaining the full amount even though £8,600 was left in the pot.
Slieve Croob DUP councillor Alan Lewis added: “It’s just to reiterate that, as well, that I don’t think groups truly understood what the funding was for.
“I think, if we look at it again next year to make sure groups are more aware that the finding is there and what they can use it for.”
A council officer said: “There is a balance of dunning and it is recommended to reallocate that to the main St Patrick’s Day parade in both Newry and Downpatrick in order to enhance the visitor experience.”
Council chairperson Glyn Hanna (DUP) proposed to accept the recommendation to release the available funds back into the St Patrick’s Day parades which was supported in the chamber.
