CELEBRATIONS for Riverfest 2024 racked up costs of over half a million euro.
The figures were revealed at the April meeting of the Metropolitan District following a request by Independent Councillor Maria Donoghue.
The Council was asked for a detailed breakdown of costs on an itemised, line-by-line basis.
Over 133,000 people attended the 20th year of Limerick’s flagship festival over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
The lion’s share of the budget, according to the Council figures, went on the The Riverfest Village (€144,211.35), which featured a mix of 35 food and craft traders as well as live entertainment and returns this May Bank Holiday weekend.
However Cllr Donoghue said she was hoping for a more detailed breakdown of these costs, as “this is public money and lots of people would love to know what the value is in spending €140,000 on a festival village”.
The famous fireworks on Clancy Strand – which take place again this Sunday evening – came in at €51,284.25 in 2024, while the National BBQ Competition clocked up a bill of €35,854.50.
Other high costing events in 2024 included the Peagasus Parade, which amounted to nearly €65,000, but covered transport, event management, and security costs.
Cllr Donoghue also called into question the Great Limerick Run, asking, if it were to take place during the June or August Bank Holiday weekend instead, would it significantly diminish the footfall of Riverfest.
“If we are spending half a million on a festival, what’s the outcome? Can this festival stand alone without the marathon? This isn’t something I asked the Council, but it is worth considering,” she said.
“I know a lot of hard work is put in to the Riverfest weekend, so it would be nice to see a breakdown of the costs to reflect that.”
