A NUMBER of West Cork musical groups and performers are among those set to receive national funding under the Music Capital Scheme, which provides funding for the purchase and restoration of musical instruments and equipment.

Ballinspittle Comhaltas will receive €2,125, while Bantry Youthreach has been awarded €1,749.

Individual musicians also received funding under the scheme including Dylan Howe, who performs as Hánt, who was awarded €3,449.

The Cork city native recently completed an artist residency at Ionad Cultúrtha in Baile Mhúirne. Pianist Gary Beecher, who lives in Carrigaline, received €30,000 for a grand piano.

The Music Capital Scheme is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and managed by Music Network.

It has enabled many musicians across Ireland to develop their musical potential and participate in the performance of live music, in all genres.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said: ‘This funding allows so many deserving organisations and individuals to receive the support they need to purchase musical instruments.’

‘The scheme has benefited thousands of people since its inception and this additional investment means that even more musicians, groups, and communities will now be able to access the instruments they need.’

This round of funding benefits non-professional performing groups as well as established and emerging individual professional musicians.

Music Network CEO Sharon Rollston said the initiative makes high quality music more accessible across the country.

‘The organisations supported through this latest funding round reflect the diversity of Ireland’s music community. They include a homelessness service, a community centre supporting older adults to live independently, a queer-led artist support group, youth services, music schools offering inclusive programmes, organisations supporting migrant communities, and choral and instrumental groups with members of all ages,’ she said.

In total, €1,066,940 was awarded to performing groups and musicians across Ireland.