Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2018
80. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will liaise with the various historical societies in County Meath and Meath County Council as the lead authority towards the development of a county museum at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3097/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of a county museum at a location referred to by the Deputy is a matter for Meath County Council in the first instance.
My Department operates various grant schemes which are opened for application from time to time and local authorities can apply under these schemes for funding for projects which they choose to advance. Last year, my Department awarded a large capital grant to Meath County Council for the enhancement and refurbishment of Meath Arts Centre, known as Solstice, in Navan. This grant was awarded under the Arts and Culture Capital scheme 2016-2018. Meath County Council has informed my Department that it hopes to commence work on this project in 2018.
The Arts and Culture Capital scheme 2016-2018 which was announced in 2016 focused on the refurbishment and enhancement of the existing stock of arts and culture facilities including Museums throughout the country. My Department proposes to re-open this scheme for applications later this year and it would be a matter for the County Council to decide on its priorities in making any applications under the scheme.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that my Department also operates a scheme of small grants which provides funding specifically for local and regional museums to enhance their services and a Co-operation with Northern Ireland Scheme which provides support for small self-contained projects which seek to enhance, celebrate or commemorate the artistic, cultural, musical, film or heritage of the Island of Ireland on a North/South basis. These schemes may also be of interest.
