Written Answers Nos. 85-100
85. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will remove Coolrain bog, County Laois from the list of bogs that are designated as special areas of conservation when the overall plan is being submitted to the EU Commission. [27546/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan 2017-2022, due to be published in the coming period subject to Government approval, will set out how the raised bog special areas of conservation are to be managed, conserved and restored and how the needs of turf cutters are to be addressed.
Within the framework of the Plan, my Department is considering the available options in terms of relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs and other alternatives and the invocation of certain provisions of the EU Habitats Directive. Under article 6.3 of the Directive consent could only be given to cut turf on a raised bog special area of conservation where it can be shown that such cutting will not have an adverse effect on the site. Under article 6.4 of the Directive consent could only be given to cut turf on a raised bog special area of conservation for imperative reasons of overriding public interest and where there are no suitable alternatives.
Given the clear scientific evidence of the negative impact of turf extraction on raised bogs, it will only be possible to utilise the provisions of article 6.3 in a small number of cases. Similarly, the proof of overriding public interest under article 6.4 is very challenging and at best, will only be applicable to a small number of sites. In addition, if an article 6.4 case can be and is successfully made, compensatory measures will be required to offset the negative effects of any losses to the habitat concerned and to ensure the overall coherence of the raised bog special area of conservation network.
The position in relation to Coolrain Bog special area of conservation, amongst other sites, is being considered within the framework of the National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan.
86. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to make departmental funding available for multicultural integration events to communities such as Kildare town, Newbridge and Athy which have a large multicultural society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27576/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Taoiseach and I launched the Creative Ireland Programme 2017–2022 in December 2016 as the Government Legacy Programme for Ireland 2016 and as the main implementation vehicle for the priorities identified in Culture 2025/Éire Ildánach, the draft cultural policy which I published in July 2016.
As noted in my response to the Deputy on the 7 March last, this is a cross-Government initiative to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation and to promote individual, community and national wellbeing. It focuses on boosting cultural provision and participation in communities and harnessing the goodwill and engagement generated by the 2016 commemorative programme.
Pillar Two of the Programme – Enabling creativity in every community – is being implemented primarily through our local authorities who, as the primary instruments of community engagement, have a particular capacity for engaging citizens through local programme delivery including cultural events.
Each local authority including Kildare has now established a Culture Team bringing together arts officers, librarians, heritage officers, museum curators, archivists and other relevant personnel led by a Director of Services, with a nominated person as 'Creative Ireland Coordinator'. This approach allows each local authority to decide on what events/projects to support and consider for inclusion in their Culture and Creativity Plans, to suit the needs of the communities in their own area.
A dedicated budget of €1m from the overall Creative Ireland Programme budget of €5m has been allocated to the local authorities towards the implementation of initiatives under Pillar Two including the publication of a Culture and Creativity Plan for each county. These plans were launched by the Taoiseach on the 25 May 2017 and are available online at https://creative.ireland.ie/en/local-plans.
They include a series of projects that will utilise the funding I have provided as well as a list of promotional events occurring in each county throughout the year.
Additional support under Pillar Two will also be made available to the local authorities by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. I am confident that this funding, together with the Culture Teams being put in place, will go a long way to promoting cultural activity across the country including multicultural events.
87. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she has made changes to the Leader programme to simplify the procedures involved in rolling out the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27284/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER programme is a key part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and has the capacity to deliver significant outcomes for rural areas.
I am committed to implementing the LEADER 2014-2020 programme as effectively and as efficiently as possible. However, I am also aware of concerns regarding some of the administrative procedures related to the programme, and I want to see these issues resolved to the greatest extent possible. In this regard, on 17th May last, I hosted a forum with participants from all of the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies delivering LEADER, to explore the issues of concern to them and to identify potential solutions aimed at streamlining the current administrative and application procedures.
The forum, which was attended by more than 70 people, was very productive and participants identified a number of areas where they felt procedures could be streamlined and where the burden on project applicants could be reduced.
On the basis of the feedback at the forum, I gave a commitment to the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies present that I would implement a number of the suggestions put forward, while being mindful of the regulatory requirements associated with this EU co-financed programme.
My officials have reviewed all of the contributions made at the forum and have identified a substantial number of changes that can be made to improve the delivery of the LEADER programme. I have written to all of the Local Action Groups and Local Development Companies to update them on the changes that we intend to make, in partnership with them in many instances.
My priority, in hosting the recent forum and developing action points for improving the delivery of the programme, has been on facilitating the work of the Local Action Groups and making LEADER funding more accessible for potential project applicants. I am confident that the changes I am planning to introduce will improve the delivery of the LEADER programme to the benefit of rural communities throughout the country, and I expect to see a substantial increase in project approvals in the second half of 2017.
88. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which tourism projects such as the development of an amenity (details supplied) can benefit rural towns and villages in view of the Action Plan for Rural Development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27577/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Action Plan for Rural Development recognises the contribution that tourism makes to the rural economy and includes a series of actions to maximise Ireland’s rural tourism and recreation potential.
Recreational tourism is a key growth sector worldwide and has been identified as a priority for Irish tourism in future years. The development and promotion of this sector provides opportunities for economic growth in rural areas in particular, by facilitating businesses to leverage the tourism assets in their area in a sustainable way to support recreational activities such as canoeing, cycling, angling and hill walking. These activities provide new incentives for people to visit an area and can attract a new profile of visitor.
The amenity referred to by the Deputy is part of Ireland’s Ancient East and consists of a 70km walking trail along a path originally used by horses pulling barges and boats to warehouses and factories. There are a number of towns and villages along the route that provide a range of services and facilities to walkers and I believe that continued development of the amenity will serve to support the economic development of the area as a whole, as well as increasing the quality of the tourism offering to walkers along the route.
The Action Plan for Rural Development will support sustainable jobs through targeted tourism initiatives, promoting recreational tourism, and developing and promoting our natural and built heritage, including in Gaeltacht areas.
89. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to strengthen enforcement regarding areas prone to gorse fire; her views on whether at present there are adequate fines and consequences for persons that start these fires; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27356/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. Significant environmental damage is caused by wildfires. This issue has become more acute in recent years, as evidenced by the spate of fires in various parts of the country, including a Coillte owned site of some 4,000 hectares in Co. Galway in recent weeks.
Wild fires are not a natural phenomenon in Ireland and can have a local impact on species that cannot escape, or that lose breeding habitat as a result. Such impacts are generally fairly short term, but could be very serious for species that are already in decline, such as curlew. Some plant and moss species may be lost or greatly reduced. UK research showed that where scrub such as gorse is burned it can have a lasting impact on soils and cause increased erosion which can in turn impact on rivers through increasing siltation of the water, especially if this burning happens repeatedly.
I would like to take this opportunity to strongly condemn the recent spate of wildfires and would appeal to members of the public to be conscious of the dangers posed by fire on open ground. The primary responsibility in terms of fire-fighting lies with the Fire Service and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. The prosecution of those responsible is a matter for the Gardaí. My Department is one of a number of agencies represented on the Inter-Agency Gorse Fire Group that explores issues surrounding such fires. An Garda Síochána is also represented on the Group and leads any criminal investigation. My Department, of course, cooperates fully with Garda investigations and any other investigations that may be initiated by other statutory bodies.
90. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will report on trainee programmes across the film industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27346/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra114. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if all trainee programmes across the film industry are appropriately regulated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27347/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 114 together.
The Government supports the Irish audiovisual industry through the Irish Film Board and through Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 - the film tax relief scheme. This twin approach of direct funding and tax expenditure measures maximises the benefits of the Government’s support to the audiovisual industry.
The Irish Film Board is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry. Screen Training Ireland is part of the Irish Film Board and is the national training and development resource specifically created for Ireland’s film and television industry. Screen Training Ireland works with national and internationally recognised industry professionals to identify, design and deliver training for Irish professionals. Training programmes are offered to enhance expertise in Film, Television, Animation and interactive screen content.
Section 481 is an incentive to film and television production in Ireland. One of the requirements for receipt of the tax relief is the employment of trainees by the producer company. Specifically, the project must employ a minimum of two trainees for each €355,000 of corporation tax credit claimed, up to a maximum of 8 trainees.
The Irish Film Board and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland have commissioned a report on the skills needs of the Audiovisual industry in Ireland, which is currently being finalised and will make recommendations in relation to the operation of Section 481 as it applies to skills development. My Department will consider any recommendations contained in the Report, in consultation with the Film Board, once the Report is published.
It should also be noted that my Department has commissioned an economic analysis of our screen based creative industries, in partnership with the Departments of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Last month, as part of this process, I hosted a successful Media Production Workshop at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham for stakeholders in the film, broadcast, animation and gaming industries. The recommendations of the economic study will inform the development of a Government policy and a plan envisaged under the Creative Ireland Programme for the overall development of the audio visual sector in Ireland.
91. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to meetings between the Minister of State for Gaeltacht affairs and natural resources and his staff with a company (details supplied), the position regarding action 165 of the Action Plan for Rural Development specifically regarding the proposal to establish a residential education centre in Tullycross, Connemara, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27613/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAction 165 of the Action Plan for Rural Development commits to examining the potential to promote rural Ireland as the destination of choice for US colleges wishing to avail of a rural-based learning or study experience abroad.
The company referred to by the Deputy has considerable experience in delivering rural-based learning in Connemara and is in the process of developing a residential education centre in Tullycross. The former Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, along with an official, met with the company last month and they outlined their experience in this area, and discussed the potential for this model to work in other parts of rural Ireland.
The company has been involved in its own fund-raising efforts in relation to the centre in Tullycross. While the options for other avenues of funding were discussed with the company, there are no programmes under my Department’s remit that can provide support to a project of this nature.
Responsibility for the Action Plan for Rural Development will be transferring to the new Department which the Taoiseach has announced will hold the brief for rural development and community development.
92. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the work of the recently appointed broadband officers in the local authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27574/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe report of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, which was published last December, recommended the assignment by each Local Authority of an officer with responsibility for broadband and mobile phone services. The function of this officer is to act as a single point of contact for telecommunications operators on the rollout of telecommunications infrastructure, as well as to increase awareness of, and stimulate demand for, broadband services.
My Department has provided funding to all Local Authorities to support the assignment of a Broadband Officer. To date, 30 of the 31 Local Authorities have appointed a Broadband Officer. I understand that the remaining Local Authority is currently recruiting and is expected to appoint an officer shortly.
The remit of the Broadband Officer is primarily to manage interactions with any company that is seeking to roll out telecommunications infrastructure in their county. The Broadband Officers will also work with the winning bidder(s) in respect of the rollout of the National Broadband Plan in the areas to be covered by State intervention. Broadband Officers are also involved in helping to develop local digital strategies to ensure that full use is made of the new broadband infrastructure once it is in place.
My Department has, additionally, established two regional Action Groups involving all of the Broadband Officers to ensure consistency in their engagement with the telecommunications operators and to identify and address obstacles to the rollout of telecoms infrastructure.
The telecommunications providers have widely welcomed the assignment of the Broadband Officers by the Local Authorities and are actively engaging with them.
The appointment of Broadband Officers is just one of 40 actions contained in the report of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. Along with my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I have been co-chairing an Implementation Group to drive the delivery of the actions in the report. Progress Reports from the Implementation Group will be published on a quarterly basis. The first Progress Report, covering Quarter1 2017, has recently been published on the websites of both my Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
93. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on whether the application process for the current Leader programme is too bureaucratic. [27586/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn total, €250 million will be invested in LEADER over the period to 2020. The programme is co-financed by the European Union to the value of €157 million through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and is subject to the EU Regulatory provisions governing rural development funding. It is important, therefore, that appropriate checks and balances are in place to ensure that the funding is delivered to the satisfaction of national and EU auditors.
However, I also want to see the LEADER programme implemented as effectively and as efficiently as possible and I am aware of concerns regarding some of the administrative procedures related to the programme. Therefore, on 17th May last, I hosted a forum with participants from all of the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies delivering LEADER, to explore the issues of concern to them and to identify potential solutions aimed at streamlining the current administrative and application procedures.
The forum, which was attended by more than 70 people, was very productive and participants identified a number of areas where they felt procedures could be streamlined and where the burden on project applicants could be reduced.
On the basis of the feedback at the forum, I gave a commitment to the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies present that I would implement a number of the suggestions put forward, while being mindful of the regulatory requirements associated with this EU co-financed programme.
My officials have reviewed all of the contributions made at the forum and have identified a substantial number of changes that can be made to improve the delivery of the LEADER programme. I have written to all of the Local Action Groups and Local Development Companies to update them on the changes that we intend to make, in partnership with them in many instances.
My priority, in hosting the recent forum and developing action points for improving the delivery of the programme, has been on facilitating the work of the Local Action Groups and making LEADER funding more accessible for potential project applicants. I am confident that the changes I am planning to introduce will improve the delivery of the LEADER programme to the benefit of rural communities throughout the country.
94. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her Department's input into the development of a new spatial strategy; if this strategy will provide the necessary provisions to enable rural areas to reach their full potential and ensure a fair share of State capital investment for rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27283/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of a new National Planning Framework (NPF), which will set out a new strategic planning and development context for Ireland out to 2040, is being led by the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. A public consultation process on the NPF was launched last February and ran to 16th March.
I met with the outgoing Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government at an early stage in the process and highlighted the importance of sustaining our rural communities and the enormous contribution that rural Ireland makes to our economy, our culture and our society.
There is regular bilateral engagement between my officials and officials in the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government on the development of the NPF. My Department is also involved in the process through its membership of an Inter-Departmental Steering Group which is overseeing the preparation of the Framework.
The NPF will provide the basis for effective regional development and for the long-term sustainable development of our rural communities. I believe that strong regions will provide the basis for improving economic opportunities in rural areas and will help to retain people in rural areas and support sustainable communities.
Improved connectivity, whether through transport infrastructure or high-speed broadband, will be an important enabler to unlock the economic and social potential of rural areas.
My officials will continue to work closely with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to assist in finalising the National Planning Framework and to ensure that heritage, cultural and rural issues are taken into account.
95. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the actions her Department has taken further to the meeting she held with the Arts Council on 20 October 2015 to implement the money and policy review of the council; the discussions her Department has had since then with the council regarding the implementation of the money and policy review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27512/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn September 2015, I published the first value for money policy review of the Arts Council. It was undertaken by the Department’s Evaluation Unit under the guidance of an expert Steering Committee chaired by Dr. John O’Hagan, Professor of Economics at Trinity College.
The review commended the Arts Council for its response to the economic crisis by significantly reducing administration costs; overhauling its organisational structures; and developing on its RAISE initiative, which helps arts organisations to diversify funding streams.
The review also highlighted the need for the Council to expand its efforts to improve transparency around its decision making; give greater consideration to addressing the issue of regional balance in accessing the arts; to engage more with stakeholders and establish the evidence-base for the societal benefits of its work.
The Department has encouraged the Arts Council to implement the recommendations and in this regard, the Council dedicated specific resources to implementing the review. In July 2016, the Arts Council published Great Art Work: Three-Year Plan 2017–2019 which specifically addressed VFM recommendations within the context of delivering the three-year plan having mapped the recommendations from the VFMR against the Three-Year Plan.
Many of the recommendations have already been implemented and it is expected that the process will be complete by 2018. The requirements of the implementation process are incorporated into the annual programme delivery agreements between the Department and the Council. In the context, the Department discusses the implementation process with the Arts Council at its regular liaison meetings.
96. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to give further funding and functions to the Western Development Commission; her further plans to extend its geographic remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27285/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Western Development Commission was established in 1999 to promote, foster and encourage economic and social development in the Western Region, defined as the counties of Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Clare.
The Commission has achieved a lot for the region since its establishment. However, there have also been a number of important policy and operational developments at regional level in recent years, including the introduction of the Regional Action Plan for Jobs process and the enactment of a statutory role for the Local Authorities and the Regional Assemblies in local and regional economic development. The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a specific commitment to reinforce the role of the WDC so that it continues to play an important role in light of these developments in the Government’s efforts to achieve more effective regional development across the country.
In this context, the WDC has been involved in an increasing number of initiatives, some of which go beyond the role the body has played to date, and which can develop its potential further.
For example:
- The WDC is represented on the Implementing Committees which oversee the delivery of the Action Plans for Jobs for the West and North-West regions.
- The body is also represented on the Monitoring Committee for the Action Plan for Rural Development. The WDC is assisting my Department, as part of a sub-group of the Monitoring Committee, in developing indicators to measure the impact of the Action Plan on rural communities.
- The Commission is also represented on a new Taskforce to progress the concept of an Atlantic Economic Corridor along the western seaboard. The WDC has been involved in a sub-group of the Taskforce which is mapping out the options for EU funding which could support the development of the Western region.
- The WDC has also assisted my Department in participating in, and reporting on, a public Dialogue on the implications of Brexit for areas such as rural communities, regional SMEs, culture, the Irish language, and heritage and outdoor recreation.
There are no plans at present to extend the geographical remit of the WDC and any increase in funding would be considered in the context of the annual Estimates process. However, my Department will continue to work with the WDC and draw on its expertise to support the economic and social development of the Western region.
97. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an raibh comhráite aici leis an Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí maidir le breis maoinithe a chur ar fáil d’earnáil na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta de réir gealltanais a tugadh nuair a bunaíodh an rialtas seo maidir le maoiniú breise don earnáil seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [27282/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs tríd an phróiseas meastacháin agus cáinaisnéise a dhéantar leithdháileadh ar an soláthar airgid a chuirtear ar fáil ar bhonn bhliantúil do mo Roinn agus, go deimhin, do na Ranna Rialtais go léir.
Sa chomhthéacs sin, tuigfidh an Teachta go ndéanfar soláthar airgid do na heagraíochtaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta don bhliain 2018 a mheas i gcomhthéacs an phróisis sin níos déanaí i mbliana. Is féidir leis an Teachta glacadh leis go leanfaidh mé, feadh mo chumais, ag lorg acmhainní breise don earnáil Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta, laistigh den oll-sholáthar airgeadais atá ar fáil don Rialtas.
Maidir le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta ach go háirithe, bhí €1m breise i maoiniú caipitil aonuaire faighte ag an eagraíocht seo mar chuid de Mheastacháin Athbhreithnithe 2016. Tá sé seo coinnithe don bhliain reatha, rud a chiallaíonn gurb é €6.687m an bunlíne nua caipitil d’Údarás na Gaeltachta i mbliana, €1m níos airde ná an bunlíne i mBuiséid 2016. Anuas air sin, cuireadh allúntas breise caipitil de €2.4m ar fáil don Údarás i 2016. Cuireadh allúntas breise reatha de €250,000 ar fáil don eagraíocht chomh maith i mbliana le cabhrú leis na comharchumainn agus na heagraíochtaí phobalbhunaithe Gaeltachta a gcuid costas reáchtála a chlúdach.
Maidir leis an bhForas Teanga, beidh áthas ar an Teachta a chloisteáil gur cuireadh allúntas breise de €750,000 ar fáil i mbliana le dáileadh ar Fhoras na Gaeilge agus Bord na hUltaise.
98. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cá mhéad plean teanga atá curtha faoina bráid agus atá ceadaithe aici; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [27612/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDen 26 limistéar pleanála teanga Gaeltachta atá aitheanta faoi Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, tá an próiseas tosaithe i 23 limistéar agus táthar ag súil leis go mbeidh sé tosaithe sa trí limistéar eile faoi dheireadh na bliana, eadhon: Bearna agus Cnoc na Cathrach; Oirthear Chathair na Gaillimhe; agus an tEachréidh. Go dtí seo, tá pleananna teanga i leith trí limistéar pleanála teanga Gaeltachta: Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire & Loch an Iúir; Cois Fharraige; agus Cloich Chionnaola, Gort an Choirce, An Fál Carrach agus Machaire Rabhartaigh curtha faoi bhráid mo Roinne le bheith faofa faoin Acht. Tá súil agam go mbeidh na pleananna seo scrúdaithe ag mo Roinn go luath agus moltaí i leith na limistéar sin á gcur faoi mo bhráid ina dhiaidh sin.
Beifear ag súil leis go gcuirfear pleananna i leith na limistéar a leanas faoi bhráid mo Roinne le bheith faofa idir seo agus deireadh na bliana:
- Ciarraí Thiar;
- Ciarraí Theas;
- Na Déise;
- Árainn Mhór;
- Dún na nGall Theas;
- An Cheathrú Rua;
- Múscraí;
- Dúiche Sheoigheach & Tuar Mhic Éadaigh; agus,
- Conamara Láir.
99. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the 2017 CLÁR programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27443/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31st March 2017 and will provide funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. Funding is available this year under four separate Measures:
Measure 1: Support for School and Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Play Areas
Measure 3: Targeted Community Infrastructure
Measure 4: First Responder Supports
Applications under Measures 1, 2 and 3 were submitted through the Local Authorities, while Measure 4 was targeted at voluntary organisations involved in emergency rescue or first-response efforts. The closing date for applications under the 2017 CLÁR programme was 5th May 2017 and over 500 applications were received across the four measures.
Successful projects were announced over the last few weeks, with a total of just under €7 million allocated to approximately 230 projects across the four Measures. Details of the approved projects are available on the Rural Affairs pages of the website www.ahrrga.gov.ie. Payments will, in general, be made to the successful applicants on a phased basis when the projects have commenced and have made a satisfactory level of progress.
The CLÁR programme is an important part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development, and makes a huge contribution to supporting the most depopulated areas in rural Ireland. Over 800 projects have now been approved for funding since the scheme was re-launched last year.
100. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her Department has carried out research into Iceland's policies on arts and culture and in particular a policy (details supplied); if she will consider establishing a similar resource for the Irish music industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27359/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to confirm to the Deputy that Ireland has a very strong presence in the international music arena. There are a number of organisations in receipt of state support whose remit is to build and develop the careers of musicians, grow their audiences at home and working with Culture Ireland, a division of my own Department develop their careers internationally.
Similar to Iceland Music Export, Music from Ireland is the Irish Music Export programme run by First Music Contact in partnership with Culture Ireland which funds and presents the Irish Showcases at large international showcases. In 2017, the Music from Ireland programme will present Irish musicians at 10 separate international industry showcase events including South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, The Great Escape in Brighton and Airwaves in Reykjavik, Iceland.
In addition, First Music Contact organises Hard Working Class Heroes in Dublin each autumn. Over the course of a weekend, over 100 music acts perform at six venues across Dublin. The audience includes industry professionals who have travelled to Dublin with support offered by the Government, through my Department’s Culture Ireland division.
In addition to its work in the international sphere, First Music Contact (FMC) provides free information and an advice resource for musicians and independent music sector in Ireland. First Music Contact develops projects at key stages of an artist's career, providing helpful hints and tips written by leading representatives in the global music industry from bloggers to radio djs and venues.
For music genres outside of rock and pop, Culture Ireland supports Irish attendance by artists at other prestigious international showcase events including WOMEX World Music Expo, Folk Alliance International, jazzahead! and Classical:NEXT.
These interventions have demonstrated tangible outcomes for the artists themselves with international tour bookings, management and publishing deals.
Culture Ireland and First Music Contact through their international activity continue to keep abreast of current music industry showcase opportunities.
