Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2006
383 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the groups in County Donegal which benefited from arts funding in the period 2005-2006; the criteria for applying for such benefit in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20562/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe principal source of non-capital state funding for the arts is through the Arts Council, which, while funded by my Department, is autonomous in its day-to-day operations. My Department has no function in deciding on the extent of Arts Council funding for particular projects or locations. Indeed the Arts Act, 2003, underpins the Council's independence in this context.
My Department directly provides capital grants for arts and culture infrastructure around the country. The main vehicle for such capital funding is the Arts & Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS), under which almost €43 million was provided to arts and cultural facilities around the country. This scheme commenced in 2001 and many projects are still in the course of completion.
Under the Arts Culture Capital Enhancement Scheme (ACCESS), an amount of €2,539,476 was awarded to the Arts Centre in Letterkenny to the development of a purpose designed multidisciplinary Arts Centre adjacent to An Grianán Theatre. The centre, which is currently under construction, will consist of two galleries, a studio theatre/cinema and three multi-purpose workshop spaces. Construction started in 2005 and payment of my Department's contribution is expected to commence shortly.
