Cllr: Cost of a Cork Fleadh 'miniscule' compared to economic benefits

The costs associated with Cork city hosting the Fleadh Cheoil in 2028 and 2029 would be “miniscule” compared to the economic benefits that it would bring to the city, according to Cork City councillor Shane O’Callaghan (Fine Gael).

“Obviously it will be expensive, but the expense involved will be miniscule compared to the massive benefits for the city centre. It will be massive for showcasing Cork around the world as a destination for tourists, by drawing on Cork’s rich cultural and musical heritage.

“Particularly it will be great for city centre businesses, it will be great for revitalising the city centre, so any potential costs will be dwarfed by the benefits involved,” he said.

The costs associated with Cork’s hosting the event were highlighted by the council executive at the latest meeting of Cork City Council, following a question from Cllr O’Callaghan.

Director of Services for City Centre Development and Operations Cormac Ó Suilleabháin said: “Early indications are that any bid to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí na hÉireann to host the event would need to be underwritten by significant external financial support.”

He said that the executive is investigating funding coming from national government, as well as funding from local businesses.

However, Cllr O’Callaghan said that talks between Cork City Council and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann – the event’s organiser – have been very productive.

He said that the council executive have been actively investigating making a bid for the 2028/2029 Fleadh Cheoil, and he said that he was “hopeful” that a bid would be submitted in the coming months.

Cork South-Central TD Pádraig Rice also supported Cork City Council making a bid and said that Belfast had shown just how valuable the festival is for a city.

“The festival brings increased footfall, tourism and significant economic benefits, while giving the host town or city the opportunity to showcase the best of its culture on a national and international stage. Cork has thriving Comhaltas branches across the county along with so many talented musicians, singers, dancers and artists who deserve to be celebrated.

“What is needed now is a real commitment from Cork City Council to develop and submit a serious bid for 2028,” he said.

The current host of the Fleadh Cheoil is Belfast, who hosted the festival this year, and will do so again in 2027.

According to data from footfall cameras, over 1.6 million people were recorded on the streets of the island’s second city during the event, a record attendance, and double what was projected by organisers.

An additional 620,000 journeys were made on Translink – Northern Ireland’s public transport provider - rail and bus services, compared to the same period last year.

The week-long festival is also expected to generate over €177 million for the local economy.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.