Written Answers Nos 957-977
957. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the training modules to be provided for trainees submitted by companies as part of their applications for section 481 tax relief in each of the years 2015, 2016 and 2017. [27804/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra958. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of trainees listed by companies as part of their applications for section 481 tax relief in each of the years 2015, 2016 and 2017. [27805/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 957 and 958 together.
Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 is a tax credit provided by the Irish Government as an incentive to film and television production in Ireland. Under Section 7 of the Film Regulations 2015 (S.I. 4 of 2015), a project must employ on the project a minimum of two trainees for each €355,000 of tax credit claimed, up to a maximum of 8 trainees. In order to obtain the tax relief, producer companies must provide details of the training modules proposed for the trainees and the names of the trainees engaged on the project. As with all requirements under the tax relief scheme, this requirement is monitored by the Revenue Commissioners. Details of recipients of the tax relief including projects and the amounts received are published by the Revenue Commissioners at www.revenue.ie/en/companies-and-charities/reliefs-and-exemptions/film-relief/beneficiaries-of-film-relief.aspx.
959. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of an application for CLÁR funding by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27806/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31st March last, with a closing date of 5th May. The programme provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. Successful projects were announced over the last few weeks, with a total of just under €7 million allocated to approximately 230 projects across four different thematic Measures. I can confirm that the Department received an application in respect of the project referred to by the Deputy and that the application was successful.
Details of all projects approved under the CLÁR programme are available at http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/rural/rural-development/clar-2016/.
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.
960. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which she has identified towns, villages and regions which may benefit from upgrading such as improvement of street scape, derelict buildings or other issues which may detrimentally affect the appearance of such locations with a view to specifically targeted incentives to address the issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27879/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra964. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number and location of applications received by her Department from the various local authorities for grant aid towards the upgrading of streetscapes; her plans to award same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27883/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 960 and 964 together.
Vibrant towns and villages are at the heart of our rural communities and will play an important role in revitalising rural Ireland. The Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development, which was launched on 23rd January last, contains a number of measures which have the objective of rejuvenating Ireland’s rural towns and villages to make them more attractive places in which to live and work, and to increase their tourism potential.
One of these measures is the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which I launched last April, with a focus on improving the economic and social development of our rural towns and villages. Funding of €20 million has been made available under the scheme, which will support up to 300 towns and villages over the next 12 months. The scheme is funded by my Department and delivered through the Local Authorities.
The closing date for receipt of applications from the Local Authorities is 30th June. My officials will commence the assessment of applications immediately after this date, with the objective of the successful applicants being announced before the end of July. Details of the successful applicants will be published on-line.
My Department is also developing a pilot initiative to increase residential occupancy in rural town and village centres. It is hoped that this pilot can be launched later this year. The pilot will examine ways in which properties that are currently not in use in town centres, such as vacant or derelict premises, can be renovated to allow them to be used for residential purpose. The scheme will be targeted at owner-occupiers. Full details will be announced when the scheme is launched.
961. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the degree to which her Department can address the issues of urban or rural decay throughout the country with particular reference to those areas that have to date not benefitted from the economic recovery and which previously were deemed not to have experienced the economic boom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27880/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's Action Plan for Rural Development provides a framework for the coordinated delivery of over 270 actions by a range of Government Departments, State agencies and other bodies to support the economic and social development of rural areas, many of which have not felt the benefit of economic recovery. From my own Department’s perspective, initiatives such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the CLÁR programme and capital grants for arts and culture centres have all been launched this year. All of these initiatives contribute to the economic and social progress of rural areas. My Department is also developing a pilot initiative to increase residential occupancy in rural town and village centres. It is hoped that this pilot can be launched later this year.
Bodies such as Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Western Development Commission, the Heritage Council, Waterways Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Services also contribute to economic development in rural areas through enterprise supports or investment in tourism and heritage assets.
A key component of the Action Plan for Rural Development is to support the creation of jobs throughout the regions to ensure that people who live in rural areas have increased opportunities for employment locally. The Department of Enterprise and Innovation is delivering the regional Action Plans for Jobs, and Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland have placed a renewed focus on supporting enterprises at regional level. These initiatives will have a positive impact on job opportunities and economic activity in both rural and urban communities across the regions. Recent figures published by the Central Statistics Office show that more than three-quarters of all employment created in the first Quarter of 2017 was outside of Dublin.
The actions set out in the Action Plan for Rural Development are the start of an on-going process which will be built on continuously to unlock the potential of rural Ireland and improve the lives of people who live and work in rural communities.
An Interim Progress Report on the implementation of the Action Plan is available on www.ruralireland.ie and highlights the progress being right across Government to support rural Ireland.
962. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action which is being taken to address the desecration of historical sites with particular reference to recent events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27881/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra963. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which adequate methods exist to protect historic sites; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27882/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 962 and 963 together.
All known archaeological monuments, of which there are in excess of 130,000, are entitled to protection under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004. Protection may be extended to previously unrecorded monuments by entering them in the Register of Historic Monuments or the Record of Monuments and Places. The Acts allow me to make a preservation order where I consider a national monument to be at risk.
As Minister, I am the owner or guardian under the National Monuments Acts of approximately 1,000 national monuments located at approximately 750 sites. Maintenance of such monuments is undertaken on my behalf by the Office of Public Works. Local authorities are responsible under the Acts for maintaining the national monuments of which they are owners or guardians.
My Department records all reports of damage to recorded monuments. Such reports usually emanate from members of the public, local authorities or heritage-based NGOs.
My Department also liaises regularly with the utility and infrastructure providers and has agreed codes of practice with a number of these agencies aimed at safeguarding archaeological sites and monuments. In addition, awareness programmes are in place with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc and farm organisations that are aimed at raising awareness in relation to farming and archaeology.
Notwithstanding the wide ranging legal provisions and other programmes in place, damage to archaeological sites and monuments does occur from time to time. Cases involving alleged wilful damage to monuments such as recently occurred at a site in Co. Longford are followed up in liaison with An Garda Síochána.
Prosecutions in respect of damage to recorded monuments are initiated by my Department where warranted and there have been a number of convictions for such offences in recent years.
965. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which she has to date in 2017 responded to various applications from community groups towards their performances and productions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27884/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra971. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which she can assist various local musical and dramatic societies in respect of annual productions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27890/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 965 and 971 together.
Most of my Department's arts and culture budget is allocated to the agencies under its remit. Within these allocations, the Arts Council is the primary State agency for funding the arts in Ireland.
In 2017, I will provide over €65m to the Arts Council, an increase of over 8% since 2016. Details of the Arts Council's expenditure including its individual grants can be viewed on the Arts Council's decisions database which provides a listing of 2007 –2017 Arts Council funding decisions. Decisions are routinely published in the Arts Council newsletter, and decisions are also recorded in the Arts Council's annual reports, which are available online.
The Council is statutorily independent in relation to its funding and executive decisions.
966. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which full and final agreement has been reached with traditional turf cutters in respect of SACs and NHAs; the number of cases outstanding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27885/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, like all EU Member States, is bound by the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. These Directives aim to ensure the protection of habitats and species which have been selected for conservation within special areas of conservation and special protection areas. Significant efforts have been made by the State to resolve the issue of the protection of Ireland’s raised bog special areas of conservation within the framework of the Habitats Directive. This has included intense and on-going engagement with turf cutting interests, the farming community, non-governmental organisations and with the European Commission, as well as the establishment of a long-term compensation scheme for affected turf cutters.
The National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan 2017-2022 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, including exploring the options in terms of certain provisions of article 6 of the Habitats Directive. It is intended that the Plan will be published in the coming period, subject to Government approval.
12,411 payments and 901 deliveries of turf have been made in respect of applications received under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme for raised bog special areas of conservation. In addition, 1,738 once-off incentive payments of €500 have been made. 475 payments have been made to applicants from raised bog natural heritage areas under the scheme.
The Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network, published in January 2014, concluded that Ireland could more effectively achieve conservation of threatened raised bog habitat through focused protection and restoration of a reconfigured network. Arising from this review, the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016 has been presented to Dáil Éireann and is currently proceeding through the necessary stages in the Houses of the Oireachtas. Its purpose is to provide for the implementation of a reconfiguration of the natural heritage area network arising from the 2014 Review.
Final resolution of all issues in relation to the protection of Ireland’s protected raised bogs will only be brought about by everyone working together, within the law, with my Department and with the Peatlands Council, which was established for the purpose of ensuring the input from all stakeholders.
967. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which her Department continues to support and encourage the film industry including the use of the island of Ireland as a film location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27886/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Film Board is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry. Its statutory remit is to assist and encourage the making of film in the State and the development of a film industry in Ireland. The Film Board supports writers, directors and production companies across these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects. The Film Board also supports the Irish screen industries at major international markets and festivals, promotes inward investment, the use of Ireland as a location for international production and provides support for companies filming in Ireland. The Board liaises with IDA Ireland and Tourism Ireland to maximise opportunities for the promotion of Ireland as a location for film productions as well as a tourism destination. Information on its funding scheme is available on the Irish Film Board website at www.irishfilmboard.ie.
In Budget 2017, I secured an increase of €2 million for the Irish Film Board, bringing the total allocation for 2017 to over €16m. This increase in funding will allow the Board to invest more in Irish talent and follows on from a very successful year for the Irish film sector, particularly the indigenous film sector, in 2016.
The other primary mechanism through which the Government supports the film industry is Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 - the film tax relief scheme. My Department’s investment in the film sector will also help to maximise the benefits brought about by the Government’s enhancement of the Section 481 film tax credit system, including the decision to increase the cap for eligible expenditure on film projects to €70 million, as announced as part of Budget 2016.
The twin approach of direct funding and tax expenditure measures maximises the benefits of Government’s support to the audiovisual industry.
In addition to the supports outlined above the Creative Ireland Programme 2017 – 2022 which was announced in December 2016 is a cross-Government initiative to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation and to promote individual, community and national wellbeing.
The objective of the fourth pillar of the Programme – establishing Ireland as a centre of excellence in media production – is to elevate the creative industries including media, architecture, design, digital technology, fashion, food and crafts together on an all of government basis. The initial focus of the Creative Ireland programme this year is to undertake to develop an industry-wide, long-term plan for Ireland as a global hub for the production of Film, TV Drama and Animation by the end of 2017. This objective is also reflected in the Action Plan for Rural Ireland given the importance of the film industry to rural Ireland.
In this regard, 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. This study will examine the economic impact including employment and the potential of the Irish film, TV and animation sector. Following an open tender process, Olsberg SPI Ltd in association with Nordicity, was selected to conduct the study in November last year. The commissioning of the study was also a commitment in the Action Plan for Jobs 2016.
The recommendations of the economic study will inform the development of the plan envisaged under the Creative Ireland Programme and Action Plan for Rural Ireland.
On 5 May last, I hosted a very successful Media Production Workshop at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham which attracted attendance by representatives of the film, broadcast, animation and gaming industries. The outcomes of this event will also input into the consultant's study and the proposed Government plan. It is intended that the economic study will be completed this Summer and that the Government plan based on the study will be published in the early Autumn.
968. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which her Department has achieved an amicable solution to outstanding issues between Waterways Ireland and traditional canal dwellers and recreational users; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27887/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I stated in my replies to Questions No. 437 and 438 from the Deputy on 7 March 2017, and Question 767 on 2 May 2017, Waterways Ireland continues to work closely with boat owners using the canals, canal users, land owners and representative groups. Contact is on-going between Waterways Ireland and the canal users groups, and local communities who support the efforts of Waterways Ireland in the maintenance and operation of the canals.
As the Deputy may be aware, provisions to amend the Canals Act 1986 in order to allow for the subsequent making of bye laws to regulate boating on the canals and to manage the use of the canals are contained in the Heritage Bill 2016. The proposed changes would allow Waterways Ireland to proactively manage the Royal and Grand Canals and the Barrow Navigation. As the Deputy will be aware, the 1988 Canal Bye Laws have been in force for almost 30 years and need to be revised to reflect changes in the use of the canals over the intervening years.
The Heritage Bill 2016 was passed by Seanad Éireann on the 13th April 2017. Deputies will have the opportunity to consider the Bill as it passes through the various stages of enactment in Dáil Éireann.
969. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the degree to which excavations are planned or in progress at various historical sites with particular reference to the need to maintain the integrity of the sites while maximising the educational and tourism potential. [27888/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe role of the National Monuments Service of my Department is to preserve, protect and promote Ireland’s unique archaeological heritage. It fulfills this role through a variety of measures one of which includes the regulation of archaeological excavations in the State.
All archaeological excavations are undertaken under licences issued by the Minister in accordance with S.26 of the National Monuments Act 1930. Such licences are only issued to suitably qualified archaeologists who submit proposals with a sound rationale and methodologies that comply with standards of best practice. Excavations may be carried out at national monuments in my ownership or guardianship to facilitate conservation works and to improve presentation for educational and tourism purposes. Recent excavations carried out for such purposes have included St. John’s Castle, Carlingford, Co. Louth, Glendalough Co. Wicklow and at the Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary.
The Department also supports a programme of research excavations through the Standing Committee for Archaeology in the Royal Irish Academy and current projects include excavations at Caherconnell in the Burren, Co. Clare which has become a busy tourist attraction and at Ballynamintra Cave in Co. Waterford.
A number of other research excavations, predominantly organised by the academic sector, have been licensed this year at sites in counties Cork, Kerry, Clare, Galway, Sligo and Mayo.
970. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which EU grant aid has been sought, remains available or is likely to become available to support various community festivals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27889/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCreative Europe 2014 - 2020 is the European Union’s funding programme to support the audiovisual, cultural and creative sectors. It consists of MEDIA and CULTURE sub-programmes as well as a Cross-sectoral strand. The Creative Europe - Culture sub-programme has granted over €13 million in project funding to projects with Irish partners in its first three years. The majority of the funding available under the Culture sub-programme is via the co-operation projects strand.
To date, at the mid-way point of the Programme, under the co-operation projects strand there have been four Irish festivals involved as partners in projects with a total project grant allocation of just under €3 million:
- Babóro Galway International Children’s Festival (Small Size, Performing Arts for Early Years)
- Photo Ireland Festival Ltd (Flaneur – New Urban Narratives)
- First Fortnight Ltd (Networking European Festivals for Mental Life Enhacement)
- Cúirt – Galway Arts Centre (Sharing the Wor(l)D)
The Culture sub-programme also funds EU networks and platforms via operating grants for the lead organisations. Below is a summary of Irish festivals which are members of Creative Europe supported platforms and networks:
- Dublin Dance Festival is a member of the Aerowaves Platform
- Galway Early Music Festival is a member of the European Early Music Network,
Galway Film Fleadh has received €162,750 for the period 2014 - 2016 under the Access to Markets support scheme for the Galway Film Fair – the industry market which runs parallel to the Festival.
A complete list of funding results is published on the Education, Audio-Visual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) website: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe/selection-results_en.
972. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which she will continue to utilise events of a cultural and heritage nature to promote the national image at home and abroad with particular reference to the need to generate increased interest in such matters amongst young persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27891/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the answer I gave him on the 2 May last. The position has not changed in the interim. My Department will continue to support a broad range of programmes and initiatives across its remit to promote Ireland’s national image, including under the recently published Creative Ireland Programme and Action Plan for Rural Development. In addition, the Department’s Culture Ireland programme in particular continues to promote Irish culture on the world stage.
973. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which she has identified the primary issues of concern among community groups in rural or urban settings whose quality of life has been diminished for one reason or another such as rural isolation and urban or rural anti-social behaviour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27892/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January of this year the Government's Action Plan for Rural Development, Realising our Rural Potential, was launched. In preparing the Action Plan, my Department conducted an extensive consultation process around the country to seek the views of people in rural Ireland on the issues of concern to them. The Plan addresses many of those concerns and sets out 276 actions to support the economic and social progress of rural Ireland. It includes a range of measures which will contribute significantly to job creation, the enhancement of local services and addressing social inclusion in rural areas. Specific examples of actions which will help those who feel isolated or vulnerable in rural areas include:
Significant investment in the Seniors Alert Scheme, which facilitates valuable community-based support for vulnerable older people living alone.
Investment of €46 million in Garda fleet to ensure that Gardaí are mobile, visible and responsive to prevent and tackle crime.
Provision of support for local strategies across rural Ireland to address suicide and improve mental wellbeing.
Maintaining the network of senior helplines in operation throughout the country, which offer a listening service for older people to help address issues such as loneliness and isolation in rural areas.
Support for 450 Men’s Sheds across rural Ireland which provide a safe space where men can gather and participate in their communities, develop social networks and potentially gain new skills and access information.
Continued support and prioritisation of community crime prevention through schemes such as Neighbourhood Watch and Text Alert.
Implementation of the Action Plan is now well under way and significant progress has been achieved in relation to a number of actions. I recently published an Interim Progress Report on the Action Plan which highlights the developments which have taken place across Government to support rural Ireland. The Interim Progress Report is available at www.ruralireland.ie .
The Action Plan will be built on continuously through the addition of new actions to improve the lives of people who live and work in rural communities. In this regard, Mr. Pat Spillane, as Ambassador for the Action Plan, is meeting rural communities across the country to identify on-going issues of concern to them and he reports back to my Department regularly on his findings.
974. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if any former Members have been appointed to State boards under her remit by the Public Appointments Service; if so, the names and positions of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28209/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Appointments Service (PAS) operates a dedicated website, www.stateboards.ie, through which it advertises vacancies on State Boards. Since this website was set up in 2014 I have consistently used it to identify suitably qualified members of the public who are interested in serving on boards under my remit as vacancies have arisen. I have not appointed any former TDs to boards under the aegis of my Department in that time.
975. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to the derogation categories under the EU birds directive and the relevant national legislation, if a major review referred to by her in Seanad Éireann on 9 March 2017 of all aspects of the derogations including an examination of circumstances for which their use is both required and necessary is scheduled to occur during 2018; and the timeline for the scope, terms of reference and resources for this review [28074/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra976. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if comparable circumstances including policy, compliance and operational matters in the UK, other EU member states and internationally with similar demographics and geography will be researched, studied and taken into account in the review of the derogations under the EU birds directive scheduled for 2018. [28075/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 975 and 976 together.
The Birds Directive is implemented in Ireland under the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. Under the terms of the Directive, all Member States of the EU are bound to take measures to protect all wild birds and their habitats. Under Article 9(a) Member States may derogate in the interests of public health and safety; air safety; and to prevent serious damage to crops, livestock, forests, fisheries and water; and for the protection of flora and fauna.
These derogations are achieved by way of declarations, which are made on an annual basis, under the European Communities (Wildlife Act, 1976) (Amendment) Regulations 1986, as amended, which allows the capturing and killing of some listed bird species in certain situations.
I signed two declarations recently effective from 1 May 2017 to 30 April 2018; one allowing the capturing and killing of certain bird species to prevent serious damage to crops, livestock etc and the second declaration relating to air safety.
A major review of the derogations is scheduled for 2018, and this will take account of all relevant factors, including perceived threats, distribution and population data available on the bird species in the derogations. The review will include a public/stakeholder consultation element and will also examine the implementation of the derogations in other EU Member States. Terms of Reference for the review are currently being examined in my Department.
977. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the lack of artist run studio space and the fact that the State lags far behind other European countries in this regard. [28083/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the issue regarding the provision of affordable studio space, particularly as a result of the changing property market. In general, I would consider that local approaches driven by artists, local arts officers and the owners of vacant buildings are best suited to respond to the specific local circumstances involved and provide the most effective outcomes. My Department is involved in ongoing discussions with the Arts Council, Dublin City Council and the OPW to consider some possible short-term and longer-term approaches to the issue, both in relation to specific issues in Dublin and to wider national approaches. In addition, as part of the Government’s initiative on the North East Inner City, I awarded a grant of €35,000 last year to Fire Station Artists' Studios, Buckingham Street, to assist in providing additional studio space in conjunction with Dublin City Council.
In terms of investment by my Department, I recently announced details of more than €9 million in capital funding for 61 arts and culture centres across the country. This capital scheme is the most significant investment in arts and cultural centres in a decade and will target investment at a range of different facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artists’ studios and creative spaces. Eight of grants relate to artist studios and creative spaces amounting to a total of €850,000. These are set out in the table below.
A full list of organisations to benefit from funding under Stream 1 and 2 of the Arts and Cultural Capital Scheme 2016-2018 is available on my Department's website.
I recently announced a new capital grants Scheme which will provide grants of up to €20,000 to not-for-profit organisations with a defined arts and cultural remit. Organisations with artists' studios will also be eligible to apply under this Scheme. The closing date for this Scheme was Friday 16 June and I hope to make announcements shortly in this regard.
Artists' studios and creative spaces funded under the Arts and Cultural Capital Scheme
|
- |
Amount |
|
Firkin Crane Cork |
€150,000 |
|
A4 Arts Studio & Community Education Centre Limited, Dublin |
€22,800 |
|
Fire Station Artists Studio, Dublin |
€30,643 |
|
Irish Aerial Creation Centre, Limerick |
€35,0000 |
|
Dance Limerick |
€75,015 |
|
Custom House Studio |
€ 43,274 |
|
Old Post Office Clones /Monaghan County council |
€144,077 |
|
Birr Stage Guild |
€32,844 |
|
Total |
€848,653 |
