Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 373: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if funding is available for the construction of the Irish World Heritage Centre in Manchester, England; and the amount available in 2010. [6501/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish World Heritage Centre in Manchester is operated by the Irish Diaspora Foundation Ltd. (IDF). The organisation is in the process of developing a new facility intended to replace the existing Irish Centre in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester. The Government has provided extensive capital funding totalling €2.01million to the organisation for this project over recent years. This included separate grants provided under the Emigrant Support Programme of €775,000 and €600,000 in 2007 and 2008 respectively.

Funding was not provided in 2009 as progress in advancing the project slowed against the background of the difficult financial and economic situation. This decision was in line with benchmarks set as part of the previous grant allocations. Our Embassy in London is in regular contact with the Irish World Heritage Centre and has reported that significant progress has been achieved over recent months. Applications for the 2010 Emigrant Support Programme grant round can be submitted on-line between mid-March and mid- April. The precise opening and closing dates will be advertised in due course. The organisation referred to by the Deputy will have an opportunity to submit an application for additional funding through this process and all applications will be given full consideration by this Department.