Bank Lane in Waterford City receives funding boost

Bank Lane in Waterford City is to receive a significant funding boost to continue supporting early-career musicians.

The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, last week announced the recipients of the Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme.

Nationally, €500,000 has been provided in funding to assist small, established grassroots music venues to showcase the talent of emerging musicians across Ireland.

A total of 33 venues have been offered funding of up to €15,000 from the Night-Time Economy Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme to support the continued programming of early-career musicians.

Following the announcement of the Scheme in March 2025, there was a high level of interest in this pilot scheme, with nearly 100 applications submitted before the scheme was closed.

Those approved for funding met the scheme’s eligibility criteria, which included a requirement to demonstrate evidence of a strong track record of regularly holding ticketed grassroots music events, showcasing emerging artists performing original music, spanning the years 2023-2024.

Minister O’Donovan commented: "Our grassroots music venues play a vital role in nurturing emerging musicians and providing them with an opportunity to hone their talent.

"It is very important that we recognise their contribution to the music industry, particularly given the challenges these venues face.

"I look forward to seeing the diversity of genre and talent that will reach new audiences as a result of this funding over the months ahead. 

"I’d also encourage music lovers from across the country to embrace the resource of their local venue and support artists in the early stages of their careers."