Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The high-level, strategic capital investment priorities for my Department are set out in sectoral investment plans that include, inter alia, Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage; Linking People and Places and the Audiovisual Action Plan; as well as being informed by cross-Government policies and strategies including the Climate Action Plan, Our Rural Future and the National Planning Framework.

My Department’s capital investment is centred on three high level objectives for the Department’s sectors:

1. to promote Economic Recovery and Resilience;

2. to support Wellbeing and Social Cohesion;

3. to enhance Sustainability in its sectors and Guardianship of our uniquecultural, linguistic and sporting heritage.

It is comprised of three strands of activity:

1. Major capital projects;

2. Capital investment and infrastructure programmes; and

3. Capital grant schemes.

Major capital projects are appraised, planned, implemented and evaluated in line with the Public Spending Code and best practice guidance outlined in the Capital Works Management Framework.

Recent decades have seen the development of a nationwide infrastructure of venues and arts centres, many of which were initiated and funded by local authorities. These centres also benefit from capital schemes operated by my Department. Annual support provided to these arts centres by local authorities and the Arts Council is critical to ensuring that a stable and vibrant network can be maintained. The Arts Council and County and City Management Association have a joint ten year agreement which is strongly focused on continued investment.

My Department is also progressing a range of other initiatives under the other two strands of investment activity (grant schemes and investment programmes) which are delivering improved tourism, cultural, sporting and linguistic infrastructure and investment to communities across Ireland. Key programmes include the Cultural Capital Scheme, the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, and the Gaeltacht and Language Support Schemes.

In addition to this, my Department is working with bodies under its aegis and local authorities on a broad range of projects, programmes and schemes to enhance our tourism, culture, art, Gaeltacht, sport and media infrastructure.

My Department does not own or hold property as this is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works.  In this context, the Department does not purchase property nor does it provide funding to organisations to purchase land or buildings.