Under the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018, a total €10.2 m was allocated to 134 arts and culture organisations across the State. Organisations undertaking capital projects usually require a number of years to draw down capital following the year of allocation, and while €0.5 m of this has been paid out to date, it expected that all grants will be paid out this year and the following 2 years.
Due to the very exceptional circumstances in the case to which the Deputy refers, my Department was very supportive of assisting with the reconstruction of this building. In this regard, my Department offered to provide funding of up to €250,000 to assist with the restoration and enhancement, in principle, to Cork County Council, pending clarity on all reinstatement issues including the contribution from insurances and subject to the acceptance by the Council of the conditions attached to this funding.
Cork County Council have recently been in touch with my Department in relation to the project and discussions are ongoing in this regard.