Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals to specifically assist musical societies, arts or theatrical groups throughout County Kildare which might be interested in the provision of facilities such as the building or upgrading of community halls, listed buildings or theatres for their own or community use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15426/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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In the past, my Department provided over €3 million to fund arts and cultural projects in County Kildare, namely, the Kildare library and arts centre and the Moat Club in Naas.

The main vehicle for capital funding through my Department is the arts and culture capital enhancement support scheme, ACCESS. Funding under the current ACCESS scheme is fully allocated. However, I hope to make an announcement in the near future regarding a successor to the ACCESS scheme.

Under that scheme €45.7 million was allocated for the development of 44 arts and cultural facilities around the country. The increase in the availability of facilities and the enhancement in their quality has greatly increased access to and participation in the arts for a great many people.