Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 3

Written Answers. - Arts Funding.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

161 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if there is a scheme in her Department whereby a community group can apply for funding to upgrade a local community hall or obtain funding for other community projects; if a contact or liaison person in her Department co-ordinates such an application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12497/02]

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Ms Coughlan)

My Department provides grants for community halls and other community based facilities in Gaeltacht areas and on the offshore islands. Details of these grants can be obtained on pages 60 to 65 and 107 to 109 of my Department's Freedom of Information Act, 1997, section 16 reference book – rules and practices. A copy of this book together with contact names in my Department will be forwarded to the Deputy.

Under my Department's arts and culture capital enhancement support scheme – ACCESS, €45.71 million has been offered to the promoters of 44 projects. The scheme is designed to lead to the provision of high standard arts and culture infrastructure and covers three strands of facility, namely: new facilities; redevelopment of existing arts and culture facilities; and smaller community-based projects. Particular emphasis was placed on community-based projects and 17 such projects are to receive grant aid. However, all funding under ACCESS has been allocated to 2004.