Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. The Arts Council has primary responsibility for the funding of centres across the country. Because my predecessors in the Department made a huge investment in the Belltable Arts Centre, obviously we are very concerned about what is happening. Together with my officials, I will do everything possible when the current process is completed to ensure the centre will again be used as both a performing and visual arts centre. It is situated in the middle of Limerick city. I was in Limerick only last Monday and visited places such as Moyross and South Hill where there are some thriving arts communities and I was very encouraged by what I saw. The arts community was strong in pointing out that there were no facilities in the centre of town where the Belltable Arts Centre was located and in which the Daghdha Dance Company had a performing area. I agree with the Deputy that it is very important that the Belltable Arts Centre function again as an arts centre. My Department and I, together with Limerick City Council, will certainly do everything possible to ensure that will happen. It is very important that it should happen.

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