Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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47. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the capital scheme for arts and cultural facilities will open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16748/19]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Project Ireland 2040 has given explicit recognition to the importance of our culture, language and heritage.  Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018-2027 sets out the Government’s objectives for capital investment in Ireland’s culture, language and heritage. The plan includes a total of  €40 million, or €4 million in each of the 10 years from 2018 to 2027 to secure existing investment in arts and culture infrastructure nationwide and ensure a regional balance.  A total of €3.9m was spent in 2018.  This level of investment will ensure the upkeep of regional infrastructure right across the country.

The recent Arts and Culture Capital Scheme allocated €10.214m to 134 projects under three complementary grant streams for the refurbishment and enhancement of the existing arts and culture facilities throughout the country.  Over €1.5m of this was drawn down in 2018 and over €8m remains to be paid out over the coming years.  This is the most significant investment in cultural infrastructure in a decade with funding provided to arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, artists’ studios and creative spaces. The list of these projects with the amounts of their allocations is available on my Department’s website.

My Department is currently examining options for a new round of grant funding for Arts and Cultural Capital and I will revert to the Deputy in due course on this matter.