Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of a grant (details supplied); the steps that have been taken by Athlone Town Council to progress the initiative since accepting the grant in May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32122/09]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if funding was allocated to a location (details supplied) in County Westmeath; his views on whether this funding has been awarded in order to develop a dedicated contemporary gallery and artist's studio and such funding was not conditional to a specific location in Athlone town. [32123/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 and 241 together.

In April 2007 an amount of €32.4m was allocated to 67 projects under the ACCESS II (Arts & Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme). In May 2008, the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism allocated a further €10.2m in funding to 13 additional projects which had been placed on the reserve list for funding by the independent selection committee.

Athlone Town Council was one of the 13 additional projects and was allocated €650,000 towards the development of a two part scheme – a contemporary Art Gallery and Artists' Studios in Athlone.

The planned location of the Gallery is beside Fr. Matthew Hall, Athlone (on the west bank of the Shannon) and the Studios will be located in St. Mary's Hall on Abbey Road, Athlone (on the east side of the river). The premises are a five-minute walk apart.

My Department has recently received detailed plans in relation to the Art Gallery and a Planning Resolution under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Acts was passed by Athlone Town Council on 5 May 2009 in that respect. A Tender Report and other documentation is awaited from Athlone Town Council in order to progress this project.