Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will explain the decrease in capital expenditure. The lower overall capital allocation is due to the once-off nature of a number of capital projects in 2016, including the decade of centenaries programme and a pier project. These capital projects have been completed. The reductions were offset by an increase in rural capital funding of €17 million. The best comparison that can be made is with the published 2017 baseline for my Department's Vote published in 2016 by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. In mid-2016, the Department of Expenditure of Reform indicated that my Department would have a ceiling of €327 million for 2017. The figure was set on the basis that a number of capital and centenary projects were once-off projects in 2016. However, I made a case for an increased allocation to my Department and the ceiling was subsequently increased by €41 million or 12.5%.

Deputy Brophy referred to increases in funding. Funding for the Arts Council has increased by €5 million or 8% and the allocations provided for all the national cultural institutions has increased. For example, an additional €2 million was provided to allow for the opening of the refurbished Dargan and Milltown wings of the National Gallery of Ireland. I am pleased to note that, as a result of the wonderful renovations carried out at the National Gallery, the refurbished wings will open next month. Killarney House was also opened on foot of significant State investment. The allocations for the Irish Film Board and Culture Ireland have increased by €2 million and €1 million, respectively, while an extra €1 million has been provided to assist the Heritage Council. Funding of €5 million has been provided for the implementation of Culture 2025, the Creative Ireland project which has been discussed at length. The Department also trebled funding for the town and village regeneration scheme from €4 million to €12 million. In addition, it has also provided €8 million for the national rural development schemes, which includes €5 million for the CLÁR programme.

I was pleased to allocate €9 million for the arts and culture capital scheme this year. Many cultural centres have benefitted from the scheme. As Deputies will be aware, funding has not been provided for cultural centres for the past eight or nine years. I was pleased to provide investment to these institutions because many have leaking roofs and windows in need of replacement. A total of 56 projects have received funding, with seven flagship projects due to receive substantial allocations and 49 projects set to receive amounts of between €20,000 and €276,000. This new funding has been extremely well received.

Funding of €20 million has been provided this year for the town and village enhancement scheme.

The focus is on working with local businesses, local communities and local authorities and asking them to devise projects that will most benefit their towns and villages. There is no point in me saying that I know this will work in some town in Mayo, Galway or so on. I know what is happening in my county best. I am telling communities and business people - there is an economic aspect to this situation - to figure out what they want and that I am happy to support them. It is a ground up approach under which the Department enables local communities to devise good ideas and projects that will have an impact. They know better than most what will work in their own areas.

That is the current state of play. I believe I have covered all of the questions. If not, the Deputy can revert to me.