James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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21. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to fund arts projects in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16490/19]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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In the context of funding for arts projects in County, Wexford County Council are being allocated €96,750 under the Creative Ireland Programme in 2019 to support a series of initiatives over the course of 2019 that reflect the strategic priorities outlined in their own Cultural and Creativity Strategy (available online). However they retain full discretion in relation to what projects to fund. In addition, €15,000 is being allocated to Wexford County Council to support the delivery of a specific programme of events for Cruinniú na nÓg 2019 will take place on 15 June 2019.

I have also approved a funding allocation of €10,000 for Wexford County Council in 2019 under the Decade of Centenaries programme.  This funding is provided to support local authorities in 1) responding to the themes of the State commemorative programme for 2019; and 2) in developing inclusive, appropriate and citizen-focused initiatives, to encourage people of all ages to explore the diverse aspects of the political, historical, social and cultural context of that period. 

Wexford County Council are also eligible for funding for Culture Night. Applications are currently open and the Department is in ongoing communication with the Council in this regard (the Council received €6,250 in 2018 for Culture Night activities).

My Department also operates a number of funding schemes for arts projects, including the Small Festivals and Summer Schools Scheme and the Cooperation with Northern Ireland Scheme which are currently open for applications - details of the Schemes may be found at .

Finally, my Department has allocated capital funding of €1m to the National Opera House in Wexford and €1m allocated to the Wexford Art Centre.