Buncrana Invites Artists to Ignite Night-Time Economy with Grants

Donegal County Council has initiated Phase Three of the Buncrana Night-Time Economy Grant Scheme, aimed at enhancing the town’s evening offerings through creative events and festivals. This new phase encourages businesses, community groups, artists, musicians, and performers to propose innovative activities that will transform Buncrana into a more vibrant destination after dark.

Buncrana is one of only nine towns selected across the country to participate in this national pilot aimed at revitalizing rural areas. The council’s focus on the night-time economy seeks to redefine public spaces and invigorate community engagement, encouraging residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy the town’s nightlife.

Funding Opportunities for Diverse Events

The grant scheme offers two tiers of funding: Tier 1 provides grants of up to €500 for smaller-scale events, while Tier 2 offers grants ranging from €500 to €4,000 for larger festivals and events. This financial support aims to foster a diverse array of cultural activities that not only enrich Buncrana’s social fabric but also bolster the local economy.

John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, stated, “This initiative shows what’s possible when communities come together with creativity and vision. The Night-Time Economy pilot is not only revitalising Buncrana’s evenings; it’s setting a national example for how smaller towns can grow in a way that’s inclusive, safe, and sustainable.”

Sophie Gallagher, Night-Time Economy Advisor for Buncrana, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the progress the town has made. “Buncrana’s night-time scene is going from strength to strength, and that’s thanks to the incredible people who are creating and delivering events in Buncrana after 6 p.m. Their creativity, commitment, and hard work are helping the town truly come alive at night-time,” she noted.

Encouraging Community Participation

The previous phases of the grant scheme attracted a broad spectrum of applications from various sectors, including arts, hospitality, youth, and community organizations. With Phase Three, the council aims to build on this momentum, inspiring even more ambitious event proposals and collaborations.

This initiative invites everyone, whether a hospitality business with a unique event idea or an artist eager to showcase their talents, to contribute to the future of “Buncrana by Night.” Events must be scheduled between April and October 2026, with applications due by March 27, 2026, at 12:00 noon.

Interested individuals can access application forms through the Donegal County Council website at www.donegalcoco.ie/nte. For further assistance, Sophie Gallagher can be contacted via email at [email protected].

Funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, this grant scheme reflects Donegal County Council’s commitment to fostering a lively and welcoming environment in Buncrana, positioning the town as a leader in the national night-time economy initiative.