Funding is restored for St Patrick’s Day

Funding is restored for St Patrick’s Day

14 February 2024

A LEADING government department has overturned its decision to slash funding for this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Downpatrick.

The U-turn by the Department for Communities will see almost £179,000 returned to Newry, Mourne and Down Council or March 17 celebrations in the county town and in Newry.

The cash is used to organise events, including carnival parades, with the reinstatement of the funding welcomed by South Down MLA Colin McGrath.

He had described the initial decision to axe the vital financial support as “disgraceful” and called for it to be restored as a matter of urgency.

Mr McGrath said the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations are an essential part of the area’s identity and that nowhere is that illustrated more clearly than in Downpatrick.

He said given the recent flooding which threatened to rip the heart out of the town, the need to see the funding restored had never been greater.

Fast forward two weeks and the government department has announced that the money will be made available.

Mr McGrath, who urged the government department to reinstate the funding, said the return of the cash will provide Downpatrick with a much-needed boost.

He said the £179,000 will be used to finance a so-called animating and marketing scheme to deliver events across Downpatrick and Newry. 

Mr McGrath said almost £75,000 has been specifically directed towards the St Patrick’s Day parades in Downpatrick and Newry to enable the local council to deliver bigger and better activities than initially planned.

“I have no doubt that our community groups will be ready to put on a tremendous show for locals and those visiting the area,” he said.

“Every effort must now go into ensuring that future money for such events is ring-fenced to avoid the crisis point we have witnessed of late where funding is cut and then put in place again.”

Mr McGrath said he will also make this point with Stormont ministers.

“I look forward to attending next month’s St Patrick’s Day festivities as we celebrate our local community, heritage of St Patrick and all that makes Downpatrick the tremendous place it is,” the MLA added.