Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 May 2014
418. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 5 qualifies for heritage funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21449/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraGrant funding for the protection of the built and natural heritage is provided by my Department via a number of schemes which are either directly administered or delivered through local authorities and agencies. In 2014 the Heritage Council, which my Department funds, re-instated its community grants scheme. It is primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to allocate its funding appropriately given competing priorities within the heritage sector. I understand that the application deadline for funding under the Heritage Council’s community grants scheme has passed for 2014. However, the organisation in question should contact the Heritage Council directly to ascertain their eligibility for funding under any of the Council’s programmes now, or in the future. In addition, I understand that in certain circumstances some local authorities may also offer funding in this regard. As with the Heritage Council, it is a matter for the local authorities in question to allocate their funding appropriately. I suggest that the organisation contact Dublin City Council directly to ascertain their eligibility for funding from that source.
My Department also funds targeted initiatives for music which are channelled through Music Network. These include a national music day and a national music instrument scheme. Love: Live Music Day, the national music day, is an annual celebration of all forms of music in Ireland. It aims to promote access to live music for all, regardless of location through free nationwide music events. The musical instrument scheme operated by Music Network assists individuals and groups to purchase musical instruments. Further details are available at www.musicnetwork.ie.
