Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2006
127 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to encourage the development of a network of theatres with a view to the promotion of the arts here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35030/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra128 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will offer financial assistance for the restoration of existing buildings or the development of new structures to accommodate local productions or plays, musicals or other presentations of a theatrical nature with a view to encouraging development of the arts in all areas here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35031/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra130 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will offer recreational grants to musical or dramatic societies for the improvement, extension or restoration of their premises throughout County Kildare in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35033/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 127, 128 and 130 together.
On 24 July last, I announced a new scheme to support investment in arts and culture infrastructure. This new scheme called ACCESS II or the Arts and Culture Enhancement Support Scheme II, will run from 2007 to 2009. The scheme is intended to provide a further impetus to the development of arts and culture facilities thereby enhancing the quality of life for our citizens. While the intention is to prioritise the enhancement and maintenance of existing facilities, there will also be provision to support new build projects under the terms of the scheme.
This is a successor to the highly successful ACCESS I scheme, introduced in August 2001, which allocated €45.71 million to the promoters of 44 projects. This scheme greatly enhanced the provision of arts and culture infrastructure nationwide, increasing accessibility to the arts throughout the country. Applications under ACCESS II will be accepted until 17 November, 2006 and the selection of projects will be undertaken in close collaboration with the Arts Council. An independent committee will assess project proposals received and will make recommendations to me for consideration. I hope to be in a position to announce the successful applicants early next year.
