The government in the North must “step in” and support those in the music industry who are facing financial ruin due to the coronavirus pandemic, the singer and actor Bronagh Gallagher has warned. She was among 150 artists who wrote to the Northern Ireland Executive calling for “urgent financial support” if the music industry is to survive. ”In this, they cite research by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) which, in 2017, found that music was worth €703m to the Irish economy and accounted for over 13,000 jobs. In Northern Ireland, the music sector helped generate £90 million (€99.6 million) through music tourism, and was responsible for more than 1,000 full-time jobs. One practical way to support artists, she said, was to play Irish music on the radio.

Source: The Irish Times July 06, 2020 09:40 UTC