Public art, light installations and performance spaces to transform cities and towns under Fáilte Ireland’s Urban Animation Investment Scheme
Seven urban areas set to be developed in partnership with Local Authorities
Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin TD and Fáilte Ireland have today (20 September 2021) announced the locations where projects of scale will be developed that will transform and re-imagine urban spaces.
Following a competitive process, the pilot €5 million Urban Animation Capital Investment Scheme, which opened for application in April, will fund* urban animation projects in Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth, Waterford and Dublin. The stories, culture, history and heritage of these locations will be brought to life through a variety of large-scale outdoor performance spaces, public art and light installations.
Announcing the projects, Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport, Gaeltacht and Media, Catherine Martin T.D. said:
“The projects allocated funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Urban Animation Capital Investment Scheme will help re-invigorate these urban areas and increase their tourism appeal.This is important in attracting visitors to our towns and cities and increasing dwell time to support local tourism and hospitality businesses and jobs.
It is also important to note that these projects will be sustainable and in line with environmental best practice. This funding announcement further strengthens this Government’s commitment to developing the regions as outlined in the ‘Our Rural Future’ plan.”
Speaking at the announcement at Smithfield Square, Dublin 7, The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Alison Gilliland said:
“I am delighted that Fáilte Ireland will be supporting Dublin City Council’s plans for urban animation in Smithfield. I’ve seen the plans and they look amazing. Smithfield is a key public space on the Northside of the city.This funding will allow us to create a more playful, family friendly atmosphere in this space.The plans include colourful animals, shapes and a fully functioning carousel which will be visually beautiful and exciting to interact with.”
Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland added:
“Urban animation will play an increasingly important role in transforming and re-imagining our public spaces as safe, welcoming and vibrant places to visit. Our pilot Scheme will support Local Authorities to enhance urban areas and I want to thank Minister Martin for securing the €5 million funding. Seven exciting projects have been allocated funding and we look forward to working with the County and City Management Association (CCMA) and the Local Authorities in making these projects a reality before the end of summer 2022.”
*Funding for the Urban Animation Capital Investment Scheme is subject to terms and conditions of eligibility being met.
