Written Answers Nos. 647-665
647. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the cost of each seminar held on Project Ireland 2040 up to and including September 2018 by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39579/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published and launched "Investing in our Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht 2018-2027" as part of Project Ireland 2040 on 10th April 2018. This ten-year plan sets out the Government's commitment to invest €1.2 billion capital in our cultural infrastructure. As part of the launch, my Department organised an event in the newly refurbished National Gallery of Ireland which included three separate panel discussions comprising key stakeholders across the various policy areas of my Department, i.e. representing culture, heritage, Gaeltacht and Irish language sectors. The aim was to provide a forum to interested parties from across the country to discuss the opportunities presented by the unprecedented capital investment in the sector. The total cost of the seminar, held on April 10th was €64,162
649. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the plans to link Shannon Harbour and Dublin city centre with a greenway cycle and pedestrian path; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39720/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Grand Canal crosses Leinster from Ringsend in Dublin City to Shannon Harbour in Co. Offaly. Its main line is 131km in length with the Naas and Corbally Branch adding a further 12km to the route and the Kilbeggan Branch adding an additional 13 km. The towpath along the canal is fully in public ownership and provides a unique opportunity to provide a Greenway linking Grand Canal Dock in Dublin with Shannon Harbour in Co. Offaly.
Some work on the development of the Grand Canal towpath has already taken place in all Council areas, with approximately 24 km of the route completed to Greenway standard.
Waterways Ireland is currently working with Offaly County Council, Kildare County Council, South Dublin Council and Dublin City Council to ensure the progression of planning permission for those areas not yet developed as a walking and cycling route for recreational, tourism and commuter purposes.
All Local Authorities are keen to progress the development of the towpath and it is anticipated that each Council area will submit Part 8 planning applications for the undeveloped sections in the autumn of 2018/spring of 2019. Waterways Ireland is assisting this process by working closely with officials.
Waterways Ireland, in collaboration with all the Local Authorities along the route of the Grand Canal, is currently working on the funding options to develop this route, which, combined with the Royal Canal Greenway, would constitute the longest Greenways in Ireland. Linked ultimately to the Royal towpath, the Grand Canal development would provide recreational infrastructure, all largely off-road and already in public ownership of a type and breadth almost unprecedented in Europe
650. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the owners of grasslands at a site (details supplied) will be directed in accordance with regulations 27, 28 and or 29 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, SI 477 of 2011, to examine the management of these grasslands; if this measure will be taken in order to ensure the favourable condition of same lands upon which Brent geese, a protected species depend; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39754/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThese lands, which were formerly playing fields, do not form part of a designated European site, are not an integral part of the core habitat for the Brent geese population, and I am not aware of any activity being carried out on the lands which meets any of the criteria for issuing of directions under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-2015.
651. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding provided in 2018 for restoration work on the Ulster Canal; the works which will be undertaken with such funding; the level of expenditure to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39802/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2007, the North-South Ministerial Council (NSMC) agreed to a proposal to restore the section of the Ulster Canal from Upper Lough Erne to Clones. Planning approvals for the project have been secured from the relevant authorities in the two jurisdictions.
Government approval to restore a 2.5 km stretch of the Ulster Canal from Upper Lough Erne to the International Scout Centre at Castle Saunderson near Belturbet in Co. Cavan, was secured on 24th February 2015.
Waterways Ireland is currently working on the first phase of reopening navigation from the Erne to Castle Saunderson on the Ulster Canal.
To date over €2.8 m has been spent on the entire Ulster Canal project. Expenditure of €1.133 m is forecast to complete navigation to Castle Saunderson in 2018.
The works to complete this phase of the development are approaching finalisation. The contract to create the new 250 m bypass canal and new road bridge to provide navigation around the existing road bridge serving Derrykerrib Island, which has insufficient head height of navigation, is in the final stages of completion.
Work had been delayed over the winter of 2017/18 due to high water levels and is now complete with the exception of the highway crash barriers which are due for delivery in October. Waterways Ireland is also working with Cavan County Council who are working to develop recreational amenities at Castlesaunderson including public moorings.
Additional environmental information has been sought by An Bord Pleanála and work to provide public moorings cannot progress until planning approval is granted.
Waterways Ireland anticipates expenditure of €1,133,000 in 2018 to complete this final phase of the work.
Waterways Ireland is also continuing work with the partners Monaghan County Council, Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, East Border Region Ltd. and Mid Ulster District Council to develop 22 km of Ulster Canal towpath from Smithborough, Co. Monaghan and Middletown, Co. Armagh funded through successful application to the Interreg VA sustainable transport measure. The group have also completed development proposals for a Greenway strategy
652. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will seek the funding to provide a theatre (details supplied) with the necessary funding in order that it can continue to operate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37273/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides support for capital investment in cultural and arts facilities nationwide. I understand that no application for capital funding has been received from the facility referred to in the question. The question of current funding for cultural facilities would be a matter for the Arts Council or the local authority.
I understand that the organisation to which the Deputy refers will continue its performances through touring while its own premises is to be sold.
653. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the timeframe for the sensitive restoration of 14-17 Moore Street; and her views on the urgency to commence the restoration. [40032/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply today to Parliamentary Question No. 93, Reference No. 39709/18, of 2 October.
655. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which cultural activities encouraged and supported by her Department continue to become part of the national fabric; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40081/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Creative Ireland Programme is a culture-based programme led by my Department designed to promote individual, community and national well-being. Its core proposition is that participation in cultural activity drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal well-being and achievement.
Under Pillar II - 'Enabling Creativity in Every Community' of the Programme, in 2018, my Department allocated a sum €2 m and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government allocated a sum of €1 m to all 31 local authorities (€96,000 each approximately) to enable them support an extensive programme of activities, events and initiatives in each county. To date in 2018, 422 different initiatives around Ireland have been funded under Pillar II. These include arts projects, grant schemes, concerts, conferences, exhibitions, festivals, outreach projects, publications, research programmes, and workshops among other activities. They cover topics such as archaeology, architecture, biodiversity, crafts, heritage, dance, film, history, literature, music, photography, poetry, storytelling, theatre and the visual arts.
These activities form part of each local authority's five-year Culture & Creative Strategies which were launched by me, An Taoiseach and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government on the 12 September.
These strategies highlight the critical role our Local Authorities play as providers and enablers of cultural and creative experiences in communities across Ireland, with all of the vitally important social, and indeed economic, consequences that follow. The strategies recognise that the arts and creative endeavours are crucial to society and community growth. With collaboration and shared purpose at the heart of the Creative Ireland Programme, each strategy provides meaningful opportunities for people and their communities, together with each Local Authority, to build and nurture a creative society. All the strategies are available online at: https://creative.ireland.ie/en/creative-communities.
Additional funding of €650 k was allocated to the local authorities in 2018 to enable them deliver Cruinniú na nÓg on 23 June 2018 which celebrated and encouraged children and young people’s participation in culture and creativity through performance, coding, theatre, art and music workshops, readings, screenings, special events and much more. A sum of €350 k was allocated to Dublin City to deliver Cruinniú na nÓg and a sum of €300 k divided among the remaining 30 local authorities or €10 k each. It is estimated that over 300 specific separate events took place for Cruinniú na nÓg across the country. It is my intention to establish Cruinniú na nÓg as a yearly celebration of creativity among children and young people.
In addition to funding directly from my Department, the Arts Council also provides significant supports for the Arts at local level.
656. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she continues to support various community based cultural activities throughout Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40082/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Creative Ireland Programme is a culture-based programme led by my Department designed to promote individual, community and national well-being. Its core proposition is that participation in cultural activity drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal wellbeing and achievement. Under Pillar 2 - 'Enabling Creativity in Every Community' of the Programme, in 2018, my Department allocated a sum €2 m and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government allocated a sum of €1 m to all 31 local authorities (€96,000 each approximately) to enable them support an extensive programme of activities, events and initiatives in each county. To date in 2018, over 400 different initiatives around Ireland have been funded under Pillar 2. These include arts projects, grant schemes, concerts, conferences, exhibitions, festivals, outreach projects, publications, research programmes, and workshops among other activities. They cover topics such as archaeology, architecture, biodiversity, crafts, heritage, dance, film, history, literature, music, photography, poetry, storytelling, theatre and the visual arts. These activities form part of each local authority's five-year Culture & Creative Strategies which were launched by me, An Taoiseach and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government on the 12 September. These strategies highlight the critical role our Local Authorities play as providers and enablers of cultural and creative experiences in communities across Ireland, with all of the vitally important social, and indeed economic, consequences that follow. The strategies recognise that the arts and creative endeavours are crucial to society and community growth. With collaboration and shared purpose at the heart of the Creative Ireland Programme, each strategy provides meaningful opportunities for people and their communities, together with each Local Authority, to build and nurture a creative society. All the strategies and the activities supported under the strategies are available online at:https://creative.ireland.ie/en/creative-communities.
In addition to funding directly from my Department, the Arts Council also provides significant supports for the Arts at local level.
657. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which her Department, directly or through the aegis of bodies subordinate to her Department, continue to assist community based groups and organisations involved in musical or theatrical productions throughout the country with a view to maximising interest in the arts at local level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40083/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Creative Ireland Programme is a culture-based programme led by my Department designed to promote individual, community and national wellbeing. Its core proposition is that participation in cultural activity drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal well-being and achievement.
Under Pillar 2 - 'Enabling Creativity in Every Community' of the Programme, in 2018, my Department allocated a sum €2 m and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government allocated a sum of €1 m to all 31 local authorities (€96,000 each approximately) to enable them support an extensive programme of activities, events and initiatives in each county. To date in 2018, over 400 different initiatives around Ireland have been funded under Pillar 2. These include arts projects, grant schemes, concerts, conferences, exhibitions, festivals, outreach projects, publications, research programmes, and workshops among other activities. They cover topics such as archaeology, architecture, biodiversity, crafts, heritage, dance, film, history, literature, music, photography, poetry, storytelling, theatre and the visual arts.
These activities form part of each local authority's five-year Culture & Creative Strategies which were launched by me, An Taoiseach and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government on the 12 September.
These strategies highlight the critical role our Local Authorities play as providers and enablers of cultural and creative experiences in communities across Ireland, with all of the vitally important social, and indeed economic, consequences that follow. The strategies recognise that the arts and creative endeavours are crucial to society and community growth. With collaboration and shared purpose at the heart of the Creative Ireland Programme, each strategy provides meaningful opportunities for people and their communities, together with each Local Authority, to build and nurture a creative society. All the strategies are available online at: https://creative.ireland.ie/en/creative-communities.
In addition to funding directly from my Department, the Arts Council also provides significant supports for the Arts at local level.
658. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which the arts sector continues to attract support from philanthropists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40084/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrivate support for the arts is an important funding source and the Government continues to support this through tax incentives and other initiatives. While my Department does not have a breakdown of the total flows of philanthropic funding to the sector, the Programme for a Partnership Government does contain a commitment to encourage strong, mutually beneficial links between the business community and the arts community to assist arts organisations to capitalise on sponsorship opportunities and to develop business partnerships and fundraising skills. In this regard, I recognise the important work carried out by Business to Arts for which my Department provides a small amount of assistance.
In addition, the Arts Council, which is funded by the Department, operates the RAISE programme, which seeks to enhance fund-raising skills in arts organisations with a view to diversifying the sector's sources of funding. It is designed to assist the sector in securing philanthropic contributions to the arts in Ireland.
In terms of other capital investment requiring co-funding, a €10 million investment scheme for arts and cultural centres is in progress, focused on upgrading the existing stock of such centres around the country. The funding, which is being made available as part of the Capital Investment Framework 2016-2021, is dependent on matching funding being secured by project promoters and therefore provides an opportunity for philanthropic support.
In addition, the Government capital investment plan Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage, which provides for investment of €460 m in a significant number of capital projects in our National Cultural Institutions over the next 10 years states that individual cultural institutions will be raising their own contributions (typically around 10%-15% of project costs) through philanthropic effort.
659. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she expects to be in a position to enhance the promotion and development of an awareness of the arts and culture with a view to maximising economic benefit in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40085/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2018, the total current funding for my Department increased by almost 5% or €11.5 m to €248.659 m. This included an additional €2.8 m for the Arts Council; an additional €1.7 m across all of the National Cultural Institutions; almost €1 m additional funding for the Heritage programme and an extra €1.4 m for the 20-year Strategy for the Irish Language.
The Arts Council, the main Irish Government agency for developing the arts, works in partnership with and provides funding for arts, artists, arts organisations, public policy makers and others to build a central place for the arts in Irish life. Festivals, and cultural events are important in this context and the Arts Council received €68 m in funding from my Department in 2018.
In addition to the work of the Arts Council, the Creative Ireland Programme is a high level, high ambition, 5-year initiative, from 2017 to 2022 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 Creative Ireland Programme, each of the 31 local authorities has established a Culture Team and in 2017 published and implemented local Culture and Creativity Plans which were supported by an allocation of €2 m (€1 m from my Department and €1 m from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government). In total, these plans listed over 750 local cultural projects, events and initiatives taking place nationwide last year which gave us a snapshot of the rich cultural activity taking place in each country.
On 12 September, the Taoiseach, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, and myself as Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht launched 31 Local Authority Culture and Creativity Strategies. These ambitious and innovative 5-year Culture and Creativity Strategies have been developed by the network of expert and passionate Culture Teams within the 31 Local Authorities, in consultation with artists, creatives, cultural and heritage organisations, community groups, the creative industries, centres of education and schools across the country. The Strategies embody both the spirit and practice of collaboration and shared purpose, which is at the heart of the Creative Ireland Programme. They aim to provide meaningful opportunities for citizens and local communities, together with our Local Authorities, to build, nurture and sustain our creative society. Each local authority will receive approximately €96,000 this year under the Creative Ireland Programme.
Another significant step in the delivery process has been Project Ireland 2040 which gave explicit recognition to the importance of our culture, language and heritage to our sustainable development over the next decade and beyond. This recognition is underpinned by the unprecedented commitment by Government to invest €1.2 billion in our culture, our language and our heritage - Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018-2027 sets out the Government’s objectives for capital investment in Ireland’s culture, language and heritage. The plan sets out significant investment on a phased basis over the next 10 years prioritised across 3 areas - €785 m for Culture; €295 m for Heritage and €178 m for our Language.
This level of investment will transform our cultural and heritage infrastructure right across the country and will support the development of employment opportunities across these sectors.
660. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she expects to achieve an amicable resolution of issues between Irish Waterways and traditional dwellers and recreational users of the Grand Canal, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40086/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaterways Ireland continues to work closely with boat owners using the canals, adjacent land owners and local committees. Meetings are also held with the key stakeholder interest groups, the Royal Canal Amenity Group, Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) and the Heritage Boat Association (HBA).
In addition, Waterways Ireland works alongside the Friends of the Grand Canal and Royal Canal Clean-Up Group in Dublin and the newly established Grand Canal Dock Group, who like many of the communities throughout the waterways support the maintenance of our waterways. Waterways Ireland Operational staff, lock-keepers and waterway patrollers meet canal users on a daily basis and provide a wide range of services to all our recreational users.
Waterways Ireland staff meet canal users on a daily basis and provide a wide range of service as well as managing boat use on the canals and regularly inspecting canal boats for compliance. In this regard, Waterways Ireland actively pursues boat owners who are in breach of the Canal By-laws.
Waterways Ireland staff manage boat use on the canals in accordance with the 1988 Canal By-laws. In this regard, Waterways Ireland continues to concentrate on boats which consistently remain in breach of the By-laws. Where a boat owner fails to respond to requests to comply, after notification by letters, telephone calls and formal notice, a programme of boat removal continues.
661. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which excavations are planned or in progress at various historical sites throughout the country with particular reference to the need to maintain the integrity of the sites while maximising the educational and tourism potential; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40087/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll monuments listed in the Record of Monuments and Places are protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004.
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. The Acts allow me to make a preservation order where I consider a national monument to be at risk. 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.
My function as Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to archaeological excavation is to regulate this activity through the licensing system under section 26 of the National Monuments Act 1930, as amended. So far this year 1002 such licences and related regulatory instruments have been issued. The majority of such archaeological excavations are carried out by private sector archaeological consultants for the purpose of assessing the impact of proposed development on possible archaeological features or mitigating the impact of development on archaeological heritage. A much smaller number are carried out for conservation or research purposes. In deciding whether to grant an archaeological excavation licence, appropriate consideration is given to the need to maintain the integrity of affected archaeological sites. All archaeological excavation licences are granted subject to conditions requiring the excavations to be conducted to an appropriate standard and that reports on the results are furnished to my Department's National Monuments Service.
662. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which her Department continues to liaise with the Office of Public Works to ensure that heritage sites and buildings continue to be protected and in circumstances in which it is necessary sealed to prevent water damage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40088/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role, as Minister, with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners of heritage assets.
Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides for the protection of architectural heritage. The Act gives primary responsibility to planning authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including relevant structures on the Record of Protected Structures. Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them and to seek to safeguard their future.
I also have a role, as Minister, as a prescribed body under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2015 whereby development proposals that may impact on our built heritage are referred by planning authorities to my Department so that recommendations can be made, as appropriate, to avoid or mitigate any such impacts.
My Department has a number of measures at its disposal to facilitate the maintenance and restoration of historical or cultural sites. As Minister, I am the owner or guardian under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2014 of approximately 1,000 national monuments located at approximately 750 sites and in such cases there is a statutory duty to maintain the national monument. Such maintenance is undertaken by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Local authorities are responsible under the National Monuments Acts for maintaining the national monuments of which they are owners or guardians.
My Department is also providing €350,000 of funding to the OPW in 2018 to assist in the conservation and presentation of historic buildings and national monuments in State ownership. The Department’s National Monuments Service works in close collaboration with the OPW on survey, excavation and research work to optimise the protection, management, interpretation and presentation of national monuments in State care.
Under the provisions of the National Monuments Acts, my Department has established and maintains the Record of Monuments and Places, which affords legal protection to all recorded archaeological sites and monuments in the State. Anyone proposing works to, at or in the vicinity of a monument that is included in the Record of Monument and Places must give the Department two months prior notice before works can start.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is a scheme for the repair and conservation of structures that are on the local authority Record of Protected Structures. The scheme supports heritage projects across the country and creates employment in the conservation and construction industries, while helping to regenerate urban and rural areas, and is co-ordinated by each local authority. My Department has allocated €2m under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2018, of which €50,000 is the indicative amount for County Kildare.
The Structures at Risk Fund enables conservation works to heritage structures, in both private and public ownership, which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts and are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. My Department has allocated €1,324,000 under the Structures at Risk Fund 2018. Local authorities submitted related applications to my Department and the successful applicants were notified by their local authority last April. I understand that three applications have been approved for County Kildare to the value of €22,000 in each case.
Receipt of applications for both the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Structures at Risk Fund are now closed, however on-going queries can be addressed to all respective local authorities who are implementing both schemes throughout 2018.
The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage is a state initiative to identify, record, and evaluate the post-1700 built heritage of Ireland, uniformly and consistently as an aid to its protection and conservation. The NIAH building surveys provide the basis for my recommendations, as Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, to the planning authorities for the inclusion of particular structures in their Record of Protected Structures. The published surveys are a source of information on the selected structures for relevant planning authorities. They are also a research and educational resource.
Through the National Parks and Wildlife Service my Department also manages a property portfolio of national parks and reserves of approximately 87,000 hectares. They are ‘core assets’ that play a vital role in Ireland’s tourism industry.
663. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which EU grant aid has been sought and remains available or is likely to become available to support various community festivals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40089/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Creative Europe programme 2014 - 2020 is the primary EU culture funding mechanism and has two funding sub-programmes: the Culture sub-programme operated through the Arts Council, and the Media sub-programme operated through Screen Ireland. Demand, particularly in the Culture sub-programme, far outstrips the budget available and has an overall success rate for applications from all countries of about 15%. Ireland’s own success rate is above the EU average at 18.9%
Under the Creative Europe – Culture Sub-Programme there is no dedicated funding strand for festivals. The majority of the funding available under the Culture Sub-Programme is via the Co-Operation Projects Strand, under which festivals are eligible to apply.
Examples of festivals in Ireland that have been successful in securing funding under the Co-operation Projects Strand include:
- 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 Enhancement)
- Cuirt – Galway Arts Centre (Sharing the Wor(l)D)
- West Cork Literary Festival – West Cork Music (Reading for Enjoyment, Achievement and Development of Young People)
- Wexford Festival Trust (Opera Vision)
- Cork Midsummer Festival (Circus250: Diverse, Real, Physical).
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,
- YARN Storytelling Festival Bray is a member of the Federation for European Storytelling Network.
As regards future funding at EU level, in May 2018, the European Commission presented the Multiannual Financial Framework budgetary plan for the coming 2021 to 2027 financial period. This includes a financial envelope of €1.85 billion for the proposed Creative Europe Programme 2021 to 2017. The Multiannual Financial Framework for the coming period is the subject of negotiations among the European Parliament, Council and Commission at present.
664. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which full and final agreement has been reached with traditional turf cutters in respect of special areas of conservation, SACs, and natural heritage areas, NHAs; the number of cases still outstanding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40090/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, like all EU Member States, is bound by the requirements of the 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, including relocation where feasible, for affected turf cutters.
The National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022, published in December 2017, sets 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.
The Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network, published in January 2014, has concluded that Ireland could more effectively achieve conservation of threatened raised bog habitat through focused protection and restoration of a reconfigured network. This entails the cessation of turf cutting on 36 natural heritage areas (including parts of 7 sites) as of 1 January 2017, the de-designation of 46 natural heritage areas (including parts of 7 sites) and the designation of 25 new sites as natural heritage areas. The Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016, to provide for the implementation of a reconfiguration of the natural heritage area network arising from the 2014 Review, has been presented to the Dáil and is proceeding through the necessary stages in the Houses of the Oireachtas.
15,417 annual payments and 1,076 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. 1,109 annual payments and 2 deliveries of turf have been made to applicants from raised bog natural heritage areas under the scheme. In addition, 1,870 once-off incentive payments of €500 have been made, of which 48 relate to natural heritage areas.
Relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs is a complex process. Notwithstanding this, progress in relocation has been achieved in a number of cases. In addition, my Department is moving forward in the relocation process. It is envisaged that the necessary infrastructure and drainage works will be completed at 3 relocation sites by the end of 2018. Work in ongoing, primarily, within the various stages of the planning process with a view to undertaking these works at another 5 sites.
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.
665. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the cost of her Department's stand at the National Ploughing Championship 2018; the number of staff deployed from her Department for the week; and the cost of same. [40349/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the success of the precedent established in 2017, my Department had a shared presence with the Department of Rural and Community Development at the National Ploughing Championships held in September 2018. Total costs including National Ploughing Association charges, marquee design and supply transport of materials to and from Screggan are in the order of €166,000 and will be apportioned between the two Departments on an agreed basis once final figures are available. Overall, some thirty members of staff, including four staff from the Heritage Council, represented the Department at this year's event. Overtime and T&S (travel and subsistence) costs for staff attendance at the National Ploughing Championships are paid in accordance with the standard Civil Service procedures.
