Music venues in Louth are set to receive funding under the Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme aimed at supporting emerging local musicians, according to Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly.
Following a pilot scheme in 2025, funding for the initiative has increased to €1 million in 2026. The scheme is designed to support grassroots music venues while also helping showcase the talent of emerging artists across Ireland.
A total of 60 venues nationwide have been offered funding of up to €20,000 each under the scheme, an increase from the 34 venues supported last year.
The latest round of funding also includes venues that provide platforms for Irish comedy and comedians.
Fine Gael Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan said: “Our grassroots venues are central to nurturing emerging artists and providing them with an opportunity to hone their talent, and it is very important that we recognise their contribution to the live performance industry, particularly given the challenges these venues face.
“I look forward to seeing the diversity of genre and talent that will reach new audiences as a result of this funding over the months ahead. I’d also encourage audiences from across the country to embrace the resource of their local venue and support artists in the early stages of their careers.”
Deputy Butterly said. “This increased funding will continue to support small, established grassroots music venues to showcase the talent of emerging musicians from Louth and across the country.
“This is a great opportunity for musicians who are starting out in Louth in their playing careers to get the exposure and experience of performing in their local venue.
The venues in Louth receiving funding are:
- • Spirit Store, Dundalk
- • Toales Bar, Dundalk
- • McHugh’s Public House, Drogheda
- • Mo Chara, Dundalk
- • Odd Mollie’s, Drogheda
“In particular, I’m pleased to see funding awarded to a number of venues outside of our major cities. We have a rich talent base, and it’s wonderful to see them being encouraged to develop their craft through this funding, Deputy Butterly concluded.
