As Other Voices comes to Ballina this weekend, there have been a few rumblings on social media about how the state’s contribution is being used.
Nevertheless, it’s good to see some public money coming into the area of the arts, the poor relation when it comes to state funding for recreational activities.
Music contributes quite a bit to the Exchequer.
For example, 23% VAT is charged on all musical instruments but much sport-related goods and services pay VAT at a lower, or, in some cases, a zero VAT rate.
So public money going in the direction of music is very welcome, particularly into the west of Ireland. And the Other Voices Ballina festival will be a welcome boost to this region.
