Martin Cullen
Ceist:21 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he intends to provide funding for the proposed extension/refurbishment plan for the Cork Public Museum.
Written Answers. - Cork Public Museum.
Máirín Quill
Ceist:35 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he intends to provide funding for the proposed extension/refurbishment plan for the Cork Public Museum.
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 21 agus Uimh. 35 le chéile.
The Cork Public Museum is administered by Cork Corporation and its funding requirements are the responsibility in the first instance of that body and my colleague, the Minister for the Environment.
I have only recently received an application from Cork Corporation for funding under the Structural Funds allocations for a proposed extension to this facility. Generally the funds at my Department's disposal would not allow me to include funding for the type of project envisaged in this application. Deputies will be aware however, that discussions are still continuing with the European Commission and with the relevant Government Departments on the details of the components to be included in funding allocations in the arts and culture areas. When this process is completed I will be in a position to establish precise criteria for eligibility for assistance under the capital allocations provided for my Department. At that stage, I would be better placed to consider, in close consultation with the Minister for the Environment, the eligibility of the proposed development at the Cork Public Museum for assistance.