In welcoming Budget 2016 in October I stated that the economic recovery has allowed for a 12% increase in my Department’s Budget for 2016. This will provide additional funding across a range of areas including the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, a new investment programme for regional arts and cultural centres and a boost in my Department’s heritage budget. Key highlights of Budget 2016 include:
- 12% increase in funding for the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht compared to 2015;
- Over €48 million for the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, including almost €31 million for major capital works, and additional funding for an inclusive and wide ranging national and international commemorative programme, including State events, local community initiatives, a wide range of arts and cultural projects, and €3 million earmarked for Culture Ireland’s international programme for 2016 and the Abbey Theatre;
- An additional €8 million for a cultural infrastructure programme to fund a new scheme of grants to existing regional arts and cultural centres and funding for the Cork Event Centre;
- Increase in the cap on the Section 481 film industry tax relief from €50 million to €70 million;
- An additional €2 million in funding for the Department’s heritage programme;
- Boost in funding for the National Cultural Institutions and the Arts Council.