The Theatre to which the Deputy refers was awarded substantial funding under the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018 in February 2017 to refurbish and enhance the existing facility.
All capital grants exceeding €300,000, require a legal charge on the property being developed for the amount of the grant for a period of 15 years. This charge is to protect the taxpayer's investment in the property if it was to undergo a change of use or in the event of its sale. The Chief State Solicitors Office is seeking to complete the legal formalities in order that the grant can be paid to the theatre to which the Deputy refers. The Chief State Solicitors Office's is awaiting the signature of the relevant documents by solicitors representing the theatre and the theatre's landlord.
On completion of the legal formalities it is hoped that the theatre can make progress on the project.