Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 63: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals to progress a new theatre in Monaghan town, which would be an invaluable asset to tourism in the county; the timeframe he envisages for the project; the funding that he will make available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11823/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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An application for funding was received from this project under the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme II, better known as ACCESS II. This is the successor to the highly successful ACCESS I scheme, introduced in August 2001, which allocated funding of almost €43 million to 40 projects nationwide.

ACCESS has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of high quality arts and culture infrastructure around the country. Under the new scheme, 70% of the funds will be directed towards the enhancement and refurbishment of existing facilities, with 30% available for new facilities.

An independent selection committee has just completed the assessment of the applications and has, in recent days, completed its report for my consideration. I am currently examining this report and hope to make an announcement regarding the successful applicants shortly.

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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I note that ACCESS I was successful but I understand the ACCESS II programme of €23 million included 25%, or approximately €6 million, specifically for new theatres. I understand there was to be an announcement before the end of March, so when will the Minister make the announcement? The Minister has stated he is considering the report but will his announcement come before the end of March, as was originally promised?

Is the Minister aware of the success of the local Garage Theatre in Monaghan over the past 14 years? Excellent work has been done by the CEO of the VEC, Mr. Larry McCluskey, and his staff at the theatre there. There were many sceptics at the beginning but it has worked out and the facility is very successful.

Does the Minister consider the facilities in the Garage Theatre to be totally inadequate for professional artists and local audiences? That is no fault of the theatre staff and administrators, who are dedicated and hard working. Is the Minister also aware that despite the shortcomings, the theatre has enjoyed notable success in fostering individual artistic talent, not just at local level but also at the national level?

Does the Minister agree the existing arts infrastructure in Monaghan, which has centred on the Garage Theatre, is in serious need of an upgrade by means of a new theatre? The Garage Theatre has seen much use in the past 12 months, producing 106 shows, or over two shows per week. That is a notable achievement in a town like Monaghan. Does the Minister agree the theatre project is deserving of funding, particularly with regard to the excellent record it has had over the previous 14 years?

Does the Minister agree the provision of a new theatre in Monaghan would be a major asset to the town and the county in general? It would attract quite a number of people in the development of the arts and culture-based tourism. We attract a number of people from the Fermanagh, Tyrone and Armagh area, and I am sure the Minister would agree there is a good buzz about cross-Border projects etc. This new theatre would be ideally located in Monaghan.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I had the pleasure of visiting the Garage Theatre and I am aware of the difficulties under which the people running it and performing there operate. Under the new ACCESS scheme, 70% of funds will be directed to the enhancement or refurbishment of existing facilities, with 30% available for new facilities. We received 155 applications from right across the country up to the closing date. An independent selection committee has been assessing the applications and I do not anticipate an announcement prior to the end of this month.

An application was received from the Garage Theatre in Monaghan to build a new theatre in the town. The project has an estimated cost somewhere in the order of €10 million, with the project promoters seeking funding in the order of €6 million. There is a difficulty with that in the context of the amount of funding available under the scheme for new build and the amount of funding available generally.

As I have stated, the matter is under consideration and an announcement in respect of theatres, as well as art and exhibition centres across the country, can be expected in due course.

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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The Minister has stated the new project in Monaghan is costed at €10 million and €6 million is being allocated for new theatres. Does the Minister not consider the amount to be inadequate?

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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Irrespective of how much money a Minister may have, he or she may regard it as inadequate. The reality is I have a certain fund which I have negotiated to the best of my ability and it must be administered to the best of my ability with regard to promoting arts in the country, taking into account geographical demands.