Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 April 2007
309 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will look favourably on a grant application made by a theatre (details supplied) in County Limerick; the criteria that has to be satisfied to qualify for grant aid; if the application made by the theatre meets the required criteria; and when he will make a decision on the funding. [13571/07]
View answerAn application for funding was received from this project under the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme II (ACCESS II). This is the successor to the highly successful ACCESS I scheme, introduced in August 2001, under which funding of almost €43 million was allocated to 40 projects nationwide. ACCESS has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of high quality arts and culture infrastructure around the country. Under the new Access Scheme, 70% of the funds will be directed towards the enhancement and/or refurbishment of existing facilities, with 30% available for new facilities.
An independent Selection Committee has just completed its assessment of the applications and has, submitted its report for my consideration. I am currently examining this report and hope to make an announcement regarding the successful applicants shortly.
