Paul Connaughton
Question:1929. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport the resources available for community organisations aiming to organise a Gathering in their locality. [38828/12]
View answerTuesday, 18 September 2012
Questions (1929)
Written answers
It is not envisaged that direct funding or grants will be provided for ‘The Gathering Ireland 2013’ events on the ground except for selected and targeted major events and festivals. Rather, this is an opportunity for individuals and communities to play a part by encouraging additional overseas visitors to Ireland in 2013.
Each county will have a Gathering Steering Group, which is responsible for appointing a Gathering coordinator. In turn, the coordinator acts as a project manager at county level and collaborates with the Local Engagement Manager, who is employed by Fáilte Ireland.
The coordinator and local engagement manager will work together to lead, plan, coordinate and deliver the county’s Gathering Action Plan. A range of non-financial supports are available on the website www.thegatheringireland.com for community groups and others who are organising Gathering events. These include:
- Guides to Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter to help organisers promote their gathering online;
- A brochure advising on how to organise a Gathering;
- Brand and promotional materials to help organisers promote their events; and
- Images of Ireland and Gathering logos for use in printed or online publicity for an event.
The Gathering Team are currently holding a range of community meetings across the country to facilitate the development of local and regional events. Details of these meetings are available on the Gathering Ireland website at http://www.thegatheringireland.com/About/Community-meetings.aspx.