Louth music groups receive funding through Music Capital Scheme

Three music groups in Louth are set to benefit from funding in the latest round of the Music Capital Scheme, announced on Wednesday by Music Network.

A total of €545,150 in funding from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media has been granted to 109 awardees which will potentially benefit over 7,960 musicians based throughout Ireland, through Awards 1, 2 & 3 of the scheme. 

The Music Capital Scheme 2024 Awardees from Louth are: Ardee Concert Band, who are to receive €16,680; Scale Force who will receive €1,247; and St Brigid’s Pipe Band, Dundalk, who will receive €8,129. 

Established in 2008, the Music Capital Scheme is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and managed by Music Network.  The Scheme has enabled many thousands of musicians across Ireland to develop their musical potential and participate in the performance of live music, performing in genres including traditional Irish, classical, folk, jazz, electro-acoustic, rock and pop.   

Commenting on the initiative, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD said: “It was wonderful to be able to confirm record funding of over €1million for the Music Capital Scheme earlier this year, which will not only fund these three awards but also allow the scheme to be expanded to offer even more support for musicians. 

"I would like to sincerely thank Music Network for managing the Music Capital Scheme once again. This funding allows so many deserving organisations and individuals to receive the support they need to purchase musical instruments and, as a former music teacher, that is such a wonderful thing to be a part of."

Music Network’s CEO Sharon Rollston commented: “Since establishing The Music Capital Scheme together with The Arts Council 16 years ago, we have made 652 awards to individual musicians and organisations, providing access to musical instruments for over 59,000 people.   

"Our mission is to make high quality live music accessible to communities throughout Ireland, and to support professional musicians to excel in the performance and creation of music. The number and range of instruments provided through the Music Capital Scheme year-on-year continue to make a significant impact on the quality of, and access to, music making and live music performance across Ireland.  

"We’re very grateful for the continued support of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in funding this valuable resource for the music sector.”