178. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding that is available to a music festival (details supplied) in County Cork; if increased funding is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43078/15]

The award of grants for festivals is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland and not a matter in which I, as Minister, have any role or function. It is a competitive process and there is no guarantee of funding for events which meet the minimum eligibility criteria.

The Deputy may wish to note that the application process for the Regional Festivals Programme opened on 1 December and will remain open until 12.00 noon on Monday 18 January 2016 when all applications will be assessed against the published criteria.  The guidelines and application form are available to download from www.failteireland.ie/festivals.