Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 115: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will develop a policy to encourage, promote and offer financial assistance to musical and theatrical societies wishing to provide buildings or facilities in their own neighbourhoods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41029/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On 24th July last, I announced a new scheme to support investment in arts and culture infrastructure. This new scheme called ACCESS II (Arts and Culture Enhancement Support Scheme II) will run from 2007 to 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. While the intention is to prioritise the enhancement and maintenance of existing facilities, there will also be provision under the terms of the scheme to support new build projects.

This is a successor to the highly successful ACCESS scheme, introduced in August 2001, which allocated almost €43 million to the promoters of some 40 projects. This scheme greatly enhanced the provision of arts and culture infrastructure nationwide, thereby increasing accessibility to the arts for all.

Applications under ACCESS II were accepted up to 17th November 2006 and the selection of projects will be undertaken in close collaboration with the Arts Council. 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.