Vol. 533 No. 6
346 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has received a submission from Castlecomer Demesne project, County Kilkenny; the status of the proposals therein; and the plans she has in this regard. [9786/01]
I have received a copy of the submission in question. The Deputy will be aware that I have secured a total of £36 million of Exchequer funding for the ACCESS, arts and culture capital enhancement support scheme, programme for the period 2001-04. While it might have been possible to have the Castlecomer Demesne project assessed under the ACCESS scheme, the position is that the closing date for applications was 31 October 2000. Over 170 applications were received for ACCESS funding and the applications are going through a detailed assessment procedure. In those circumstances, the Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible to have the Castlecomer Demesne project included for consideration at this stage. It appears from an initial assessment of the project that the plan has a very strong tourism element and the promoters might consider seeking funding under tourism development budgets.
