Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The development of a legacy framework to sustain and build on the capacity, networks and opportunities arising from the cultural programme of Galway 2020 was a key deliverable of the overall European Capital of Culture. The Galway Culture Company has to date drawn down just over €800,000 of the €1 million allocated to the Galway 2020 legacy programme. The allocated €1 million funding has supported the three strategic objectives of the programme as follows: a sum of €191,920 supported the first strategic objective to facilitate international and EU relationships and funding; the second strategic objective to support place-based cultural programming received €397,423; and a further €208,490 supported the third strategic objective, the provision of supports to the cultural and creative sector.

The artistic and cultural sectors have had the opportunity to access this funding through a number of channels including open calls, partnerships on funding applications to EU programmes, opportunities for presentation in other European countries and targeted capacity-building supports. As such opportunities continue to arise they are published on the website of the Galway Culture Company. The legacy framework is also available to view on its website.

My officials continue to work closely with the Galway Culture Company on the legacy programme and, in that context, there are quarterly reporting meetings with the company. The first such meeting took place on 29 November 2023 between the Department and the chief executive and chair of the board of the Galway Culture Company. The second meeting took place on 31 January 2024. At both meetings, the company provided an update to the Department on programming and expenditure.

The performance delivery agreement between the Department and the company seeks to guarantee the appropriate oversight of the implementation of the legacy programme and the expenditure of the Government's funding allocation. In line with the agreement, drawdowns of the remaining €202,167.85 funding will be subject to monthly written requests and provision of supporting documentation. The remaining drawdown is expected to be completed in the first half of 2024.

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