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Arts Centres

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 July 2020

Wednesday, 29 July 2020

Questions (137)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

137. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the assistance that will be put in place for venues (details supplied) which are vital for up and coming artists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19245/20]

View answer

Written answers

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I recently announced a range of capital funding measures to assist in the re-opening of theatres, arts centres and culture venues such as that referred to in the question.  The measures are designed to support arts and culture facilities in preparation for staff, artists and audiences returning to venues to reopen in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business and Return to Work Safety Protocols.  There is a high degree of flexibility which will be matched by timely decision-making processes that will allow organisations to undertake immediately, necessary capital adaptations to their buildings so that they comply with the HSE COVID-19 related public health protection measures.

Organisations that hold existing capital grants may immediately request the re-purposing of all or part of the grant towards necessary works and equipment to allow reopening.  Organisations can apply to re-purpose up to €10,000 of their grant which can be used to fund eligible costs at a 90% funding rate or up to €5,000 which will not require match funding.  Repurposed funding required for the original purpose of the grant will be restored when required at a later date.

Organisations that do not hold a capital grant, can apply for funding under Stream D Cultural Capital Scheme of up to €10,000.  The scheme will apply for the period of the coronavirus crisis, commencing 12 March 2020 and applications can be made by organisations at any point throughout the crisis. Details are available at this link  https://www.chg.gov.ie/app/uploads/2020/07/guidelines-stream-d-cultural-capital-scheme-2019-2022.pdf

Annual current funding will continue to be provided to venues by the Arts Council through which primary support for the arts in Ireland is delivered under the Arts Act 2003.

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