Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2019
690. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the grants available for the development of bands, specifically pipe bands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21643/19]
View answerThe Music Capital Scheme which is supported by my Department and managed by Music Network comprises two distinct awards that provide funding for the purchase of musical instruments to both non-professional performing groups and to individual professional performing musicians.
In February, I announced that my Department were providing funding of €270,250 for the Music Capital Scheme 2019. The Music Capital Scheme is a vital music resource through which groups and talented individuals may be awarded funding towards the purchase of musical instruments. The Music Capital Scheme has benefitted thousands of people since its inception, supporting a range of individuals and groups countrywide.
The Music Capital Scheme is designed to provide support for the purchase of musical instruments, and respond to a broad range of capital needs within the music sector in Ireland. A particular area of difficulty for musicians and ensembles is purchasing musical instruments. The cost of instrument purchase, maintenance and repair can be significant barriers to the development of many organisations and this scheme aims to address this.
The scheme is designed to provide support as follows:
- Stream 1, Instrument banks for non-professional performing groups
- Stream 2, Individual instruments for musicians of a professional performing standard
Applications for the Music Capital Scheme 2019 are now closed and I understand that Music Network will be informing applicants of assessment decisions in June . Further information including lists of previous award recipients which include a number of pipe bands is available at the following link www.musicnetwork.ie/musicians/funding .
