Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he, his Department and agencies under his aegis are taking to promote County Meath as a cultural and heritage tourist destination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19191/11]

Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the groups in County Meath that his Department or agencies under his aegis are supporting both through financial help and mentoring help; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19192/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, heritage and cultural tourism is acknowledged as a growing element of the tourism sector and is an area that could help to stimulate economic growth. Indeed, heritage and culture are key areas in attracting tourism to all of the counties in Ireland. In relation to the Deputy's specific query, my Department has been involved in a number of initiatives reflected below to promote Co. Meath as a cultural and heritage tourist destination. My Department has also supported the Irish language and Gaeltacht communities in Co. Meath.

In the area of arts and culture, my Department continues to work with Meath County Council in relation to the promotion of arts and culture in Co. Meath. The Deputy will of course be aware that the Arts Council, which is funded from my Department's Vote Group, is the State agency primarily charged with the promotion and funding of the arts at all levels throughout the country. Full details of the recipients in Co. Meath of financial supports provided by the Arts Council are available on that agency's website www.artscouncil.ie. It should be noted that funding of approximately €712,000 was provided by the Arts Council to a number of groups in Co. Meath during 2010.

In terms of promoting and developing the built and natural heritage in Co. Meath, I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department liaises with Meath County Council, Meath Tourism and Coillte on heritage matters on a regular basis. The Deputy will of course be aware of my Department's role recently in the development of the Girley Bog Loop Walk, which is approximately 5 km south-west of Kells.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Heritage Council, which is funded from my Department's Vote Group, has assisted a number of projects in Co. Meath. In 2011, the Heritage Council provided funding in the order of €188,600 to Trim Town Council, Meath County Council, Julianstown District Community Association and also to a number archaeologists in the county.

I can also confirm to the Deputy that my Department continues to promote knowledge and understanding of the county's archaeological heritage. The Trim Castle Monagraph will be published this year and will confirm Trim Castle as one of the major sites of its type in Ireland. I should also say that a Steering Committee has been established to oversee the drafting of a new Management Plan for the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site and I have invited local people and other interested parties to make submissions on the preparation of the new management plan.

The Deputy will also be aware that tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners under Section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, subject to certain conditions, to the owner/occupier of an approved building (including surrounding garden) or an approved garden existing independently in respect of expenditure incurred on the repair, maintenance or restoration of the approved building or garden. A prerequisite of a successful application to the Revenue Commissioners is the issuing by me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, of a determination that the building and / or garden is / are intrinsically of significant scientific, historical, architectural, aesthetic or horticultural interest. Currently, there are 12 houses and 1 garden in County Meath, from a nationwide total of 242 properties, availing of Section 482 tax relief. Finally, the Deputy will of course be aware that the tourism industry is very important to the Gaeltacht economy. In this regard, my Department, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge continue to provide supports to the Gaeltacht areas in Co. Meath. Comharchumann Ráth Chairn is the main community-based organisation in County Meath in receipt of financial support from Údarás na Gaeltachta.

The Gaeltacht areas of Rath Cairn and Baile Ghib also receive supports from my Department and from Údarás na Gaeltachta with regard to the use of the Irish language in these areas. Assistance is given to Naíonra Ráth Chairn and Naíonra Bhaile Ghib through Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta Teo. Support is also given to Club Óige Ráth Chairn through Óige na Gaeltachta Teo. Funding of €40,000 was paid to Glór na nGael in 2011 by my Department under Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge (Irish Language Support Schemes). This voluntary Irish Language organisation is based in Ráth Cairn, Co Meath and has also been approved grant assistance of €548,861 by Foras na Gaeilge for 2011. An Foras has also approved grant assistance of €488,840 to Cumann na bhFiann, Baile an Uairnigh, for the current year. Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge, which has its headquarters in Rath Cairn, is also supported by Foras na Gaeilge.