Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:275. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding and supports which have been provided to Galway 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25764/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 19 June 2019
Ceisteanna (275)
Freagraí scríofa
Galway 2020’s ambition as European Capital of Culture is to deliver an artistic and cultural programme that will exceed expectations and leave a lasting legacy for Galway city and county.
The Government has committed €15 million towards the funding of Galway 2020, the bulk of which will be paid over 2019-2020. The terms and conditions for the provision of the funding are set out in a performance delivery agreement between my Department and Galway 2020. The agreement addresses the roles and responsibilities of the Department and Galway 2020 in the provision and expenditure of the grant, as well as the key deliverables and performance indicators attached to the drawdown of the grant, and the monitoring and reporting arrangements in place.
Galway City Council has committed €6 million (€2.2 m of which was expended at bid stage) and Galway County Council has committed €4 million to Galway 2020, the terms and conditions of which are also set out in individual service level agreements.
The public funders hold regular meetings with Galway 2020 to discuss all key aspects of the project and provide support, as required.
Having regard to additional funding and support, Galway 2020 commenced the roll-out of its sponsorship programme at the beginning of this year under the direction of the project’s creative leadership, Artichoke. Since then, there has been sustained engagement with local, national and international businesses and it is my understanding that a number of potential partnerships are at an advanced stage of negotiation, with Galway 2020 expected to make announcements in the near future. The sponsorship programme will continue throughout 2019 and 2020.
I am satisfied that Galway 2020 is progressing well and is developing an exciting and imaginative Capital of Culture programme. I look forward to a successful and impactful year that will serve to further highlight the vibrant and diverse cultural offering both in Galway and in Ireland as a whole.