Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 31 May 1995

Vol. 453 No. 7

Written Answers. - Transport Museum Society Development Plan.

Liam Fitzgerald

Ceist:

39 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he has received the Transport Museum Society of Ireland's development plan and application for funding for their five year programme; if he and his officials have had an opportunity to study the programme; if he will give a commitment to secure adequate funding to assist the speedy development of this very prestigious programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9181/95]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

I received the Transport Museum Society of Ireland's development plan on 11 May 1995. However, there are no specific funds available within my Department's Vote to assist this project.

My Department advertised late last year for applications from project promoters for grants under the cultural development incentives scheme which is administered by it as part of the EU operational programme for tourism 1994-99. The closing date for such applications was 3 February 1995. The Transport Museum Society of Ireland did not, however, apply for funding under this scheme and it would not be possible, in equity, to consider any such application at this stage. The number of applications under this scheme was 170 and the scheme has been heavily over-subscribed having regard to the amount of funds likely to be available this year. It is my intention to re-advertise the scheme during the period of the programme which runs up to 1999 at which time the Transport Museum Society of Ireland, if it wishes, may apply for consideration.