Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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A vital part of my Department's mission is to support vibrant and sustainable communities across this country. While funding for arts and culture would mainly be the responsibility of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, I am happy to confirm that there are competitive funding streams provided by my Department which could contribute to supporting the establishment of local arts centres, details of which are set out below.

• The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns villages and rural areas across Ireland. The aim is to drive economic growth, combat dereliction and breathe new life into town centres. There is a strong focus on converting old buildings into remote working hubs, libraries, e-learning, cultural, enterprise, youth and community spaces. For example, in 2021 funding was approved for a project in Portumna, County Galway for the re-purposing the vacant courthouse into a new multi-purpose arts, performance, remote working and social space.

The Fifth Call for applications for Category 1 projects was announced earlier this month. This call is for large scale projects with planning and consents in place and ready to proceed. The minimum request from the Fund for Category 1 projects is €500,000 with no maximum set. The closing date for applications is 8th February 2024.

• Support under the LEADERprogramme is currently provided under a broad range of themes, including the Social Inclusion theme. Support under the 2023-2027 LEADER programme may be provided under the Economic Development and Job Creation, or Rural Infrastructure & Social Inclusion themes, and funding for local arts centres may be available under these themes.

Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant Local Action Group (LAG) or Implementing Partner to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. The 2023-2027 LEADER Programme is due to commence shortly and the list of all LAGs, their Implementing Partners and their contact details will be available on my Department’s website at

• The Town and Village Renewal Scheme(TVRS) is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. The current scheme is designed to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland through a renewed focus on town centre regeneration and enhancing economic and social vibrancy in line with the Town Centre First policy. This can be achieved through the purchase and/or renovation of derelict and vacant buildings being brought back into use as multi-purpose spaces, which includes use by the arts.

The 2023 TVRS closed for applications on 10th November 2023, and the assessment process has now commenced in the Department. The announcement of successful applications will be made in quarter one 2024.