Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 559: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans for the rollout of the Access programme in 2008. [20846/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The Arts & Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS), which commenced in 2001, provides grants for the development of arts and cultural facilities around the country. This scheme has transformed the level of access to arts and cultural activities for a great many people in all parts of the State. In April 2007 a second round of ACCESS funding was announced and a total of €32m was offered to the promoters of 63 projects nationwide. The primary focus of the second round of the scheme is the refurbishment and enhancement of existing arts and cultural facilities and it will run from 2007 to 2009. During 2008 my officials will be working closely with the projects which have been offered funding under the second round of ACCESS to enable early delivery of the projects. I will be considering the possibility of a further round of ACCESS funding in due course.