From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
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The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, has today (20 December) launched the Live Performance Support Scheme 3 (LPSS3) to support events planned for December and January. The supports are in response to the introduction of new restrictions on live performance capacities, including the new closing time of 8pm in effect from today. The Minister today met with stakeholders from across the Live Performance sector, along with the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, to discuss the impact of these new restrictions.
The schemes now open for applications include:
The Minister said:
"I know that the introduction of a closing time of 8pm is another devastating blow to the entire live entertainment sector. I am committed to ensuring the necessary supports are in place to support the sector and those who work in it. As a result I am announcing that the LPSS2 and LPSS3 schemes will provide up to 100% of costs incurred for events planned for December and January."
These schemes form part of the €50m support package for the Live Performance sector announced by the Minister on 8 December. That package of supports includes:
The Minister also announced that another round of the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) will open for applications in January. This scheme has already provided grant support to businesses to cover costs up to the end of December.
The Minister added:
"As I have said before, I fully appreciate the extreme difficulties being faced by the live performance sector. The government won’t be found wanting, a Covid contingency fund of €4bn has been created. If further funding for live entertainment is required then I will seek additional support from the Covid contingency fund. I am committed to supporting all those working in the live performance and nightclub sector through this difficult phase of the pandemic."
Information on how to apply and guidelines for these schemes can be found here: Live Performance Support Schemes