A sum of £500,00 has been earmarked by my Department, towards the cost of the development of the proposed Galway Civic Museum. At present, plans are being prepared for the museum by the Office of Public Works, but I believe they are not yet finalised. I am aware that Galway Corporation made an application, in 1997, to the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation seeking funds under the Operational Programme for Tourism, but that all funds available under the programme had been committed at that stage.
I am also aware that Galway County Council is now seeking an increased commitment. I am at present finalising a new capital support programme to assist further necessary development of the State's art and culture infrastructure. The new programme will have three strands – first, the provision of new regional, city and county projects to fill gaps in existing facilities, second, the redevelopment of existing arts and culture infrastructure, and, third, the development of community based projects.
The programme will have an application and assessment process and I would hope to be in a position to formally launch the new programme and to make a call for applications in the near future. It will then be a matter for Galway Corporation, as project promoters, whether to pursue an application for additional grant assistance for the proposed Galway Civic Museum under this new scheme.
