Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The recent arts and culture capital scheme is focused on the refurbishment and enhancement of the existing stock of arts and cultural facilities throughout the country. To date, funding of €10.214 million has been allocated to 134 projects under three complementary grant streams. This is the most significant investment in cultural infrastructure in a decade with funding provided to a range of facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artists' studios and creative spaces. A substantial grant was allocated before to the facility to which Deputy Aindrias Moynihan refers. A full list of all successful projects is available on my Department's website for his information.

Due to the exceptional circumstances in the case to which the Deputy refers, my Department was supportive of assisting with the reconstruction of this building, under the above mentioned scheme. My Department offered to provide funding of up to €250,000 to Cork County Council, in principle, to assist with restoration and enhancement of the Briery Gap. That funding offer was dependent on clarity concerning all reinstatement issues, including the contribution from insurance, and subject to acceptance by the council of the conditions attached to this funding.

I understand, however, that the council's reinstatement proposal is significantly more ambitious than the available finance and the council has been in ongoing engagement with officials in my Department regarding the project and the funding shortfall. The council may also have other options open to it to close the funding gap. My Department will maintain contact with council in this regard. My grandfather was born outside of Macroom and it is a place close to my heart. We only have certain resources available to us, however. Project Ireland 2040 has given explicit recognition to the importance of our culture, language and heritage in general. It sets out significant investment on a phased basis over the next ten years, including €40 million to secure existing investment in arts and culture infrastructure nationwide and to ensure a regional balance.

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