John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 433: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will ensure that funding is allocated to a gallery (details supplied) in County Sligo for its redevelopment which will go into construction in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38581/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Cultural Development Incentive Scheme (CDIS) which operated between 1994 and 2000, the Model Arts & Niland Gallery, Sligo received funding of £1,100,000 to refurbish its existing building for use as an Arts centre and to provide exhibition space, space for workshops, Audio-visual/music centre, small restaurant and retail outlet.

In July last I announced a new capital funding scheme — ACCESS II. This new scheme will provide grant aid towards the development costs of arts and culture infrastructure around the country. It will run over the years 2007 — 2009. The scheme is intended to provide a further impetus to the development of arts and culture facilities, thereby enhancing the quality of life for our citizens.

Applications for ACCESS II were accepted up to November 17th, 2006. An independent Committee will assess project proposals received and will make recommendations to me for consideration. I hope to be in a position to announce the successful applicants early next year.