Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 581: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the application for funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15354/07]

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 (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 Access Scheme, 70% of the funds will be directed towards the enhancement and/or refurbishment of existing facilities, with 30% available for new facilities.

An independent Selection Committee has recently completed their assessment of the applications and has completed its report for my consideration. I have been examining this report and hope to make an announcement regarding the successful applicants shortly.