Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2005
244 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he provides funding for commemoration activities; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that County Wicklow will celebrate 400 years since its formation in 2006; if he will consider an application for funding to mark the event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15472/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe moneys available to my Department for cultural purposes are earmarked primarily for use by the national cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Ireland, the National Library of Ireland and the National Archives.
My Department has no funds at its disposal under which financial assistance can be made available to support activities of this nature. However, Fáilte Ireland administers the festivals and cultural events initiative, a scheme that was established some years ago to expand regional tourism through festivals and cultural events by both assisting with the marketing activities of existing festivals as well as promoting new events. Applications for support from the initiative are accepted year round by Fáilte Ireland and must be submitted at least six months prior to the festival or cultural event taking place.
If the organisers of the commemorative celebrations in Wicklow wish to make an application for financial support under this initiative they should do so in writing to the festivals and cultural events officer, Fáilte Ireland, Baggot Street Bridge, Dublin 2. Full particulars about the initiative, including the prescribed application form, are available on Fáilte Ireland's website: www.failteireland.ie
