Tag Archives: Minister Catherine Martin

AN APPEAL has been made for equal access for artists with disabilities to a new pilot scheme introduced to support the sector. At the May meeting of the local authority, Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy said she had been delighted to hear Minister Catherine Martin introduce the Basic Income for Artists Pilot Scheme. “This is for those who haven’t been able to perform or create any great income due to the pandemic,” Councillor Colleran Molloy said. “A total of 2,000 applicants at random will be picked to receive €325 per week, paid monthly. This is a very positive thing and it will last for a number of years. “There has been a call from the music and entertainment industry who have highlighted that the scheme will not be applied equally. Those who have disabilities will not be treated equally. “This is a very straight forward motion. It is a call on Department of Social Protection to equalise the application of the …

SPANCILHILL International Horse Fair is to be recognised at the highest level for its contribution to Ireland’s cultural heritage. Minister Catherine Martin announced that the renowned fair is to be among eight practices to be added to the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Theo other activities are Beekeeping, Clones Crochet Lace Making, Headford Lace Making, Irish Traditional Travelling Circus and Funfair, Lá an Dreoilín/Wren Day, Native Irish Cattle Breeding, and Traditional Seine Boat Building, Fishing and Racing. Speaking on behalf of the Spancilhill Fair Association, Michael Duggan said there is great local pride in the horse fair. “I am delighted that the Tradition of the Spancilhill International Horse Fair will be included as part of the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage,” he said. “I want to thank the Minister that she saw fit to include this tradition that is over 400 years old as part of the recognised cultural heritage of Ireland. We are very proud of the …

OVER €345,000 is being allocated to seven Clare venues under the State’s Live Performance Support Scheme 2021, writes Owen Ryan. The biggest allocation in Clare is one of €157,539 to Hotel Doolin to support performance there. Some €5 million was allocated in total under the scheme, with a total of 237 organisations benefiting. The scheme aims to support live performances particularly where capacity for live attendance is restricted due to Covid-19, and where funding will make live performances viable or alternatively make them available online if audiences cannot attend due to restrictions. Also in Clare Pot Duggan’s of Ennistymon has got €15,868 for a series of live streamed events. In Lahinch, Kenny’s Bar is getting just shy of €25,000. In the east of the county, Pepper’s Bar, in association with Ruth Smith and Paula Carroll, is being allocated €25,750 for the Feakle Folk Club, which is holding a series of intimate concerts showcasing emerging and established folk acts. The €25m …

THE plight of a number of Clare tourism businesses was raised in the Seanad this week as Minister Catherine Minister appeared before the upper house. Senator Timmy Dooley voiced concerned that venues including the Ail wee Cave and Doolin Cave might not be allowed to reopen at Level 3 as outlined last month in the Path Ahead Plan. The Fianna Fáil member told the chamber he had had communication from The Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions outlining how such venues have extensively invested in new and updated safety measures and training Fáilte Ireland’s Covid-19 safety charter. He argued that these attractions are well placed to reopen “as safe spacious places”. “Given the likelihood outbound international travel for Irish holiday makers will be hugely curtailed this summer, and recognising that there will little, if any, inbound tourism, there is an onus on all of us involved at State level to try to ensure these facilities are supported and the restrictions …