Written answers

Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Commemorative Events

Photo of Brian WalshBrian Walsh (Galway West, Independent)
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556. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress on plans for investment in Pearse's Cottage, Rosmuc, County Galway in advance of the 1916 centenary. [35648/14]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 431 of 15 July 2014 in relation to this matter. As stated in that reply, under the Capital Stimulus Package announced in the Budget, funding of €6m was provided in 2014 in respect of the 1916 Commemorations Programme. A number of flagship capital projects come under the scope of this programme, including Kilmainham Courthouse, the GPO, the Military Pensions Archives and Teach an Phiarsaigh. As part of this programme, an allocation of €0.5m has been provided in my Department's Vote in 2014 to advance the development of a cultural centre at Teach an Phiarsaigh in Ros Muc. The Deputy will also be aware that in May 2014 the Government announced as part of the Phase 4 Infrastructure Stimulus an allocation of €22m in 2015 for the Commemorations Programme. This funding will help, inter alia, to finance the costs associated with the flagship commemoration projects in 2015, including Teach an Phiarsaigh.

The development of a cultural centre at Teach an Phiarsaigh is being progressed by a steering group comprising the various stakeholders, including Údarás na Gaeltachta, Galway County Council, the Office of Public Works, Fáilte Ireland and my own Department. The project has been developed through a collaborative process with all stakeholders with regard to linguistic, social, sustainable and economic considerations. I understand that all the stakeholders have indicated their full support to ensuring that the project is brought to fruition.

With regard to the progress made to date, I can confirm that an economic appraisal of the project has been completed. I can also confirm that the procurement of the services of a project management team and design team for the project has been completed and that they have commenced work.

In addition to being one of the flagship projects of the Commemorations Programme, I am advised that the project location has been chosen by Fáilte Ireland to be a key 'discovery point' on the Wild Atlantic Way project. I am also advised that Teach an Phiarsaigh is afforded special recognition in Fáilte Ireland's Connemara Destination Plan and Connemara Driving Tour and is a key component of its strategy to develop the tourism sector in Connemara.

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