ALL IRELAND DRAMA FESTIVAL TO BRING €250,000 TO AREA
CARNEW is set to host one of the biggest national drama events of the year in 2018 and preparations are already under way.
These plans were unveiled to the members of Baltinglass Municipal District at their September meeting last week as representatives from the South Wicklow Drama Festival sought support.
Carnew falls into the electoral area of Baltinglass although it is on the border of North Wexford and South Wicklow
Eamonn Doran and Kevin McEvoy confirmed that the All-Ireland Drama Festival which takes place every April will be hosted by the Carnew group and will welcome thousands of visitors to the area over an eight-day period.
It is the first time that Wicklow has hosted this prestigious event and it is somewhat of a coup for Carnew to be selected as host town, as the local festival is relatively new on the drama scene.
Since the establishment of the South Wicklow Drama Festival, 155 plays have been staged in St Brigid’s Hall and, over the years, a number of productions have qualified for the All-Ireland.
‘The top nine groups qualify for the All-Ireland’s so this will be an opportunity for the public to enjoy plays from the best amateur groups in the country. It will be an exciting opportunity to showcase the beautiful county we live in as well as the local amenities,’ Mr Doran said.
A number of fringe events will take place and a large number of supporters and crew members will travel with each group – meaning plenty of trade for local guest houses, hotels and restaurants.
In fact, the committee estimates a positive economic contribution for the area to the tune of €250,000.
The festival will cost approximately €65,000 to run and will make an estimated €50,000, with the shortfall to be made up through sponsorship, fundraising and local authority support.
Mr Doran told the members that the aim of the festival committee is to keep as much as possible happening in Carnew, including the opening gala dinner, which will be hosted in Coláiste Bhríde and catered by a professional company.
A shuttle bus service will also be required to ensure that festival-goers can remain in Carnew to socialise after each show and are easily able to return to their accommodation, be it in Gorey, Aughrim, Arklow or other areas close-by.
Cathaoirelach of Baltinglass Municipal District, Vincent Blake commended the men on their presentation and said that the festival is a very important event for south Wicklow.
Cllr Pat Doran proposed that the sum of €15,000 is made available to the group, but members opted to discuss the matter before making anything official.
Director of Services Sean Quirke suggested that the council could split such a grant over two budgets. Members agreed to grant €7,500 for this year and to look at making further funds available in the 2018 budget.