Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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208. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her priorities for capital funding for the arts and cultural institutions over the next five years. [17542/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In terms of capital investment in the arts, I announced a new €9 million investment scheme for arts and cultural centres to run over the next three years, focused on upgrading the existing stock of such centres around the country. The funding, which is being made available as part of the Government's Public Capital Investment Programme "Building on Recovery: 2016-2021", will be dependent on matching funding being secured by project promoters and will therefore provide an opportunity for philanthropists to involve themselves in the arts. In addition, there are a number of significant capital projects underway for the National Cultural Institutions, including:

- The National Gallery of Ireland:A major renovation project is ongoing on the historic Dargan and Milltown wings of the gallery. This work is nearing completion and it is hoped that they will reopen to the public in Q1 2017. This is expected to cost in the order of €31 million.

- The National Archives: Phase one of a building development plan for the Archives' Bishop Street headquarters is due to go to tender shortly. This first phase will cost approximately €8 million and will significantly increase the Archives' storage capacity in the Bishop Street premises.

- The National Library of Ireland: I announced last year a €10 million investment in the National Library's historic Kildare Street building. The OPW are currently working with the NLI and my Department to develop a design for the building, which will enhance the storage facilities and public spaces in the building.

It should also be noted that my Department is supporting a number of capital projects as part of the 1916 Rising Centenary commemorations. An allocation of €22 million in capital funding was provided through my Department’s Vote in 2015 for the ‘Permanent Reminder’ projects, with a further €31 million being allocated this year.

These projects include The GPO Witness History Visitor Centre, the newly refurbished Kevin Barry Recital Rooms at the National Concert Hall, Richmond Barracks, the Tenement Museum in Henrietta Street and the Atheneum in Enniscorthy.

The capital needs of other national cultural institutions continue to be reviewed, and will be prioritised as resources permit.