Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Arts Funding.

Andrew Boylan

Question:

584 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the progress regarding the development of a theatre in Virginia, County Cavan; if she will give a commitment to the theatre committee of a substantial grant allocation in 1998 in order that the project may be completed to the highest standards; her views on whether she should be promoting this type of project in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9462/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

My Department has approved a grant of £125,000 under the North-South INTERREG II programme towards the cost of developing Virginia theatre, County Cavan. This funding, which will be paid on foot of expenditure incurred in developing the project, can be drawn down in 1998 if required.

Projects such as this in rural areas are important for the enhancement of the cultural life of our citizens and I will continue to work with the promoters of all capital projects which have been offered funding by my Department under both the North-South INTERREG programme and the cultural development incentives scheme to seek to ensure that they are completed within the timeframe of these programmes, thereby maximising the cultural and social benefits to the communities in which they are based.