Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 237: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has had discussions with the Arts Council in regard to the provision of facilities to encourage the arts in respect of both urban and rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16872/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department currently supports capital arts projects through the Arts & Culture Capital Enhancement Support or ACCESS scheme. A total of €45.71m was granted to 44 projects across the country under the scheme. ACCESS primarily assists the development of infrastructure for visual and performing arts, in particular integrated arts centres, theatres, museums and galleries as well as art studios and other arts production, creative and performance spaces.

All of the available funds under the current ACCESS scheme have been fully allocated. My Department is currently examining the option of a successor to the ACCESS scheme, and I hope to make an announcement in this context shortly.

Applications for any new scheme will be invited by public advertisement. Applications will be assessed on the basis of clear and transparent evidence and advice and will, of course, take account of the views and expertise of the Arts Council.