Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
67. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 681 of 18 April 2023, the details of the review under way by Údarás na Gaeltachta into its property portfolio; the status of the preparation of development and refurbishment plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34665/23]
View answerI have been informed by Údarás na Gaeltachta that in order to fully assess capital expenditure requirements in the context of changing demands and the transition to a low carbon future, the organisation is assessing its property portfolio in terms of building fabric, sustainability credentials, building layouts, estate infrastructure and future planning, and master plan development where appropriate. This assessment is currently being undertaken by Údarás na Gaeltachta to help identify priority projects in the context of available resourcing and funding in the coming years.
With regard to the details of the review underway by the organisation into its property portfolio, it is my understanding that a wide range of due diligence exercises have been undertaken which include a number of condition reviews of estate infrastructure, energy audits, feasibility studies and a review of an tÚdarás’ land holdings as well as exercises to understand new and existing client needs.
This process is on-going and the information emanating from the process will provide an overall portfolio plan for the years ahead which will assist with the prioritisation of pipeline of projects as well as identification of resource and funding requirements.The assessment and review of the property portfolio has also sought to identify plots of land suitable for development of housing. Similar to other parts of the country this issue is a significant challenge for Gaeltacht areas and the forthcoming publication of Gaeltacht area planning guidelines for local authorities will help to inform this work to ensure any developments support the daily use of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht.
It is my understanding that Údarás na Gaeltachta is in discussion with other agencies to examine other constraints such as existing or planned infrastructure, and the availability of local services that can be accessed using sustainable transport. Although the work is an exploratory stage, it has also looked at international examples of best practice to inform the way forward.
Before I finish, I should mention that core funding for Údarás na Gaeltachta has increased significantly by 60% since the term of this government began in 2020. This increased funding supports the overall objective of Údarás na Gaeltachta to ensure that Irish remains the primary community language of the Gaeltacht and is passed on to future generations. This increase in funding is also indicative of the commitment of this Government to continue to invest, develop, and future-proof the Gaeltacht. It also recognises the far-reaching suite of initiatives undertaken by Údarás na Gaeltachta in terms of enterprise development and job creation projects but also by supporting strategic language, cultural and community-based initiatives.
