Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister met the organisers of the Give Us the Night campaign, who are concerned about the recent closure of the Bernard Shaw pub and the Tivoli Theatre. They feel that, bit by bit, our cultural capital and identity are being eroded by the loss of such venues to make way for hotels, student accommodation and apartment blocks.

12 o’clock

We know the Government has not helped with the housing crisis. However, I appreciate that ultimately it is the work of the local authority and An Bord Pleanála. The Minister mentioned Project Ireland 2040 and providing investment of €40 million for cultural infrastructure nationwide, with a need to ensure regional balance. Outside the investment for our national institutions, what money is being spent on cultural spaces for our capital?

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