Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2017
127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for enhancing the awareness of the value of culture and heritage in all areas throughout the country, capitalising on historical sites or venues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40924/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Creative Ireland Programme was launched last December as the Government's Legacy Programme arising out of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme and as the main implementation vehicle for the priorities identified in Culture 2025/Éire Ildánach.
The Creative Ireland Programme is a high level, high ambition, 5-year initiative, from 2017 to 2022 (building up to the centenary of the foundation of the State) which aims to place creativity at the centre of public policy. The programme is being led by my Department in partnership with other Government Departments and Agencies, local authorities, the third level sector, arts and culture organisations (including the National Cultural Institutions) and relevant NGOs.
As part of the Programme each of the 31 local authorities has established a Creative Ireland team and produced a 2017 Creative Ireland Plan, all of which were formally launched in May 2017. Each local authority is now in the process of drawing up a five year setting out a vision for local creativity. These plans will be able to showcase the strong cultural and heritage offerings available throughout the country including cultural venues and sites, heritage sites and trails, art galleries etc.
The overall aim of these plans will be to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation so that individually and collectively, in our personal lives and in our institutions, we can realise our full creative potential.
