Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 307: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the grants available to groups (details supplied) from National Lottery funding; and the type of grant and deadline for making an application. [18226/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Department supports the provision of new arts facilities around the country through the Arts and Cultural Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS).

The ACCESS scheme is a key element in the Government's regional arts strategy and has greatly improved participation in the arts for large numbers of people, nationwide. The scheme has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of quality cultural spaces. Under the scheme, capital funding is provided towards integrated community art centres, theatres and galleries as well as art studios and other arts production, creative and performance spaces.

A total of almost €86m has been granted to 120 projects across the country under the scheme, many of which are community based arts groups. All of the available funds under the current ACCESS scheme have been fully allocated. The Department is currently examining the option of a successor to the ACCESS scheme.

Applications for any new scheme would be invited by public advertisement. Applications are assessed on the basis of clear and transparent evidence and advice and take account of the views and expertise of the Arts Council. Any group, including community based arts organisations, that meets the eligibility criteria, will be welcome to submit an application under any new scheme.

The Department does not provide current, or running costs for arts facilities. This is a matter for the Arts Council. The Arts Council is the State's main channel for revenue, or current funding to the arts. The Arts Council is operating on a budget of €82.102m in 2008 an increase of some 72% since 2002.