"Dundalk deserves better" - Louth businessman outlines new plan to stage St Patrick's Day parade after cancellation

Louth businessman Killian Allen, of K Allen Events has outlined a plan that could see Dundalk's St Patrick's Day parade go ahead. 

It comes as it was announced this week that due to a lack of funding, the annual parade would not be staged. 

In a social media post, Mr Allen said he would prepare a full event management plan for the St Patrick's Day weekend, as well as acting as Event Manager free of charge, which he said typically costs €6,000. 

He said he believes the parade can be staged for approximately €20,000, of which between sponsors and his own contribution he has pledged between €12,000-13,000. 

Mr Allen said Louth County Council's festival grant of up to €8,000 would be sufficient to host the parade. He told Louth Live/Dundalk Democrat that he has contacted Louth County Council, however, has not received any correspondence on the matter.

He proposed the use of Market Square to host the festival. Mr Allen also said he has sourced a local company to sponsor a stage, three local bands and two DJs to preform at the parade, free of charge. 

Mr Allen also called on the Dundalk's councillors to each contribute €500 towards the festival. However, he said he has not received a response from any councillors. 

He called for Louth County Council to hold a public meeting in Dundalk Town Hall in an attempt to obtain additional funding. 

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Mr Allen proposed a more simplified parade for 2026: