As a singer-songwriter, I have been involved in the Irish music industry for seventeen years. I am writing to highlight support to the music venues around the country who wish to stay afloat during these uncertain months.

The last round of funding in December 2020 through the Live Venue Collective led to a much-needed boost in morale for many of the crews, bands, and solo performers around the country. Every event I played a part in was safely carried out by all involved and I heard of no instance where Covid transmission could be traced to an event such as these.

The shows/tapings/streams all serve as a reminder of the normal life to which we are all striving to return. Without such motivation I fear for the future of many of these venues. Their loss would be a great shame and would leave a sad void in our nation’s culture.

• Marking exactly one year since our live music venues closed their doors, Mick Flannery recently showcased a nine-venue virtual tour of Ireland. The performances were streamed online, over the course of two weekends in March, with 50% of all ticket sales going directly to some of these venues that still remain closed after all this time.

'Music Industry in Ireland: Where To Next?' is a special feature in the current issue of Hot Press, running to over 20 pages, featuring music industry professionals as well as artists including Moya Brennan, Jess Kav, Luka Bloom, Fia Moon, Kneecap, Gavin Glass, Mick Flannery, King Kong Company, Mary Coughlan, Rosie Carney and many more.