Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
285. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media what funding is available from her Department for the establishment of local museums and for the collection and collation of local historical artefacts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53644/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not operate a scheme to support the establishment of local museums. Such needs are usually addressed in the first instance by local authorities, most often in association with community groups. My Department does however operate two schemes that could be relevant to the collection and collation of local historical artefacts.
The Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme is a scheme of funding support for local, regional and specialised museums, with their own permanent premises, to promote and enhance these institutions through the provision of funding for capital exhibition costs. The scheme provides grants for capital works which enhance the exhibition/display facilities within the museum or which promote access to the museum. The objective is to create a fund to assist museums in contributing to the national and local culture through exhibition programmes for both locals and visitors alike.
The Scheme operates on a matched funding basis (75:25), where 25% of the proposed costs must be provided by the applicant.
Full details of the scheme including eligibility requirements are available on my Departments website www.gov.ie/en/service/676e1-regional-museum-exhibitions-scheme/. Funding available under this scheme is capped at €15,000. It is currently envisaged that this funding scheme will run again in 2024 and will launch in the first quarter of this year.
My Department also runs a Mobility of Collections scheme for the dissemination of the National Collections to regional museums and to support greater regional and local access to material held in the National Collections. The Scheme is designed to fund the transport, cost of insurance and exhibiting costs for pieces from the National Collections to appropriate institutions around the country. Details of the 2023 Scheme may be found at www.gov.ie/en/service/6a6bd-mobility-of-collections-scheme/ . This scheme is demand driven and has a 2023 allocation of €25,000.
It may also be beneficial for museums to contact their Local Authority or the Heritage Council for possible funding opportunities.
I appreciate the importance of the network of local museums which, with their specialist interests or local significance, contribute to the conservation and promotion of our heritage. In that context my Department provides support to the Irish Museums Association which fosters mutual support and best practice in museum management.
