Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2015
41. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is in support of the Heritage Council's call for an increase in funding for local heritage projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23906/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe scope for financial support for the conservation of the built heritage is currently constrained by the significant reduction in the public finances. Nonetheless, I keep the competing priorities regarding the preservation and enhancement of the national heritage under on-going review, having regard to the resources available to my Department.
The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, has been allocated a sum of €4.743m in 2015 to fund its role of supporting heritage infrastructure and promoting pride and best practice in the conservation and sustainable management of heritage assets. It is primarily a matter for the Council to decide how its funding should be allocated, having regard to competing priorities for limited resources.
The Heritage Council operates a number of grant schemes for heritage projects and recently awarded funding of €547,000 to 197 heritage projects nationwide under its 2015 Community-based Heritage Grants Scheme. The scheme, which supports the continuing conservation and development of Irish heritage through local community-based groups, is expected to generate total investment of more than €1 million.
