Vol. 486 No. 5
4 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will give details of the final and substitution projects for which she envisages receiving aid under the cultural development incentives scheme for venues; the position on the progress of these projects; and if she will provide details of any changes made. [2979/98]
A total of 39 projects were offered funding under the cultural development incentives scheme. Of these 39 projects, work has been largely completed or is under way at present in respect of 13. In relation to the remaining 26 projects and on the basis of the information available to me I believe that the construction phase of the majority will commence during 1998 to allow for their completion within the timeframe of the current Operational Programme for Tourism. A small number of the projects approved for funding under the CDIS is causing serious concern to my Department, in particular with regard to the ability of the promoters of these projects to meet all of the conditions laid down under the scheme. It would serve no useful purpose for me to name these projects here today but I assure the Deputy that I have impressed upon the promoters the urgent and absolute necessity that they comply with the conditions of the scheme to be certain of their development and completion within the timeframe of the current Operational Programme for Tourism.
I am not anxious to extract information about a particular project which might be used in an invidious way. Will the Minister communicate with me in writing about the status of the two projects in Galway West, which I represent, included in the Operational Programme for Tourism? In particular, will she indicate if the money allocated for the museum project is still available? The question relates to substitute projects. I appreciate that one should try to encourage those who have been offered grants to meet the criteria laid down. My approach is to be as patient as one can. Has any project been dropped or substituted?
I will supply the information the Deputy is seeking about the projects in his constituency by letter. All the conditions laid down under the scheme must be complied with. There has been or will be no wavering on this matter. Not alone will I consider projects on the reserve list, I will look in detail at all applications submitted under phase two. Some of the letters issued were dated 25 June 1997, the day before the Government was formed. It is only fair and equitable that the promoters of those projects should be given every opportunity to comply with the conditions laid down. Should they fail to do so, all the proposals submitted will once again be in the melting pot for further discussion. Following the mid-term review of the Operational Programme for Tourism and because of currency fluctuations, the amount available under the CDIS has been reduced by £1.3 million. That has to be my priority before we consider allocating funds for extra projects.
I am trying to be as positive as I can. All the projects approved were subject to a process of evaluation covering financial viability, regional spread and so on. Is it the case that difficulties have been created because certain local authorities are unwilling to commit themselves to meeting future running costs which is one of the conditions laid down? If so, it will be necessary to have discussions with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to ensure sponsors will not see their projects fall apart because of a change of mind or lack of commitment on the part of local authorities?
The Deputy is correct, there is concern among some local authorities about having to provide a guarantee in respect of these projects. The conditions laid down will have to be complied with. There will be no wavering on that matter. This is understood by those who have expressed concern to me.
Will the Minister confirm that the museum project in Ennis for which the then Minister, Deputy Higgins, allocated substantial funding last March is still in the pipeline? There have been some delays. I understood it was to commence in 1997. I encourage the Minister to allocate some of the additional funds which may become available for the Ennis music project which has been in the pipeline for a number of years.
On the museum project, there have been some delays but the fault does not rest with my Department. The project will commence shortly. The Deputy does not have to encourage me to support the proposed Ennis International Folk Music Centre project in which I have a great interest. It will fall to be considered with all other proposals.
