Influencers welcome €15,000 per Failte Ireland gig

TD asks if fees are good value for money during cost of living crisis

- FERGHAL BLANEY

SO-CALLED "influencers" were paid up to €15,000 each by Failte Ireland last year for promotional gigs.

Social media personalities are being increasingly targeted by the State tourism promotion agency to spread the word about the country as an attractive destination.

Figures released to Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy revealed leading influencers, sports and TV stars have been cleaning up, with five-figure cheques being signed regularly for single jobs over the past two years.

Some of those getting the biggest payouts include influencer Roz Purcell, former Love Island contestant Greg O'Shea, 28, and Galway football legend Shane Walsh.

Model Roz, 32, was among the "campaign ambassadors" used by Failte Ireland, with some getting €15,000 each for Discover Ireland gigs up from €12,000 in 2021.