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

I thank the Deputy for his question. Under project Ireland 2040, €1.188 million in capital expenditure has been allocated to my Department. Of this, €460 million has been allocated to the redevelopment of our national cultural institutions. Progress has been made in delivery of this ambitious investment programme. Already this year my Department has supported the completion of the first phase of the redevelopment of the National Library of Ireland. The second phase will continue in 2020. In partnership with the Office of Public Works, OPW, the planning phase of the National Archives of Ireland project has also been completed. This will see the capacity of the institution increase significantly as well as meeting modern archival standards. In 2020 the tender will be awarded for the construction elements of this project.

Work is continuing with the other national cultural institutions and the Office of Public Works to progress the other projects included in the investment programme. These are currently being appraised and planned in accordance with the requirements of the public spending code. In 2019 I approved several preliminary appraisals for these projects and it is my intention to see these projects complete the business case phase in 2020.

My Department is also investing €265 million in culture and creativity. September 2019 saw the launch of a significant programme of events under our Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture programme. Another flagship project within this investment strand is the Beyond 2022 project, which I launched with An Taoiseach last week and which will see the important records of the 1922 Public Records Office digitally recreated. My Department is also delivering several regionally-focused investment schemes to enhance cultural facilities across the country.

As part of our €285 million heritage investment programme, 2019 has seen my Department support a wide range of important built heritage restoration and maintenance projects across the country under both the historic structures fund and the built heritage investment scheme. We will continue these vital supports in 2020. Just last month I announced total funding of up to €4.3 million for the coming year.

Regarding natural heritage, my Department is progressing a broad range of projects and programmes which protect our unique landscapes and enhance all our well-being through our national parks and nature reserves. This year saw a significant programme of trails upgrades across this network. We will continue and expand this programme to further enhance our visitor facilities in 2020. In line with this Government's commitment to climate action, my Department is also working towards a major expansion of our peatlands restoration programme in 2020 and beyond. We are also working with the Heritage Council, Waterways Ireland, Screen Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Fáilte Ireland and local authorities on a broad range of projects, programmes and schemes to enhance our culture and heritage.

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