Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

937.To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for an update on the progress of the transport museum in Mullingar. [32478/24]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Along with the professional staff in the National Cultural Institutions, officials at my Department are available to assist with the consideration of the potential for a transport museum in Mullingar and the preparation of a design proposal and business case in that regard. Such initiatives are usually addressed in the first instance by local authorities, most often in association with community groups. It may be beneficial to contact the Heritage Council or Westmeath County Council for their perspective, particularly in the context of local area development plans.

I appreciate the dedication and interest at community level throughout the country that brings people together to preserve and celebrate aspects of our culture and heritage. These initiatives, often reflecting local or sectoral interests, can contribute to a sense of community and a pride in place or tradition. The early development relies on the philanthropic commitment of those involved as they seek support from local authorities and sponsorship from the business community. I also appreciate the importance of the network of local museums which, with their specialist interests or local significance, contribute to the conservation and promotion of our heritage. In that context my Department provides support to the Irish Museums Association which fosters mutual support and best practice in museum management.

There are two schemes operated by my Department would be of relevance when the museum project has progressed towards maturity and stability.

The Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme is a scheme of funding support for local, regional and specialised museums, with their own permanent premises, to promote and enhance these institutions through the provision of capital funding for exhibition costs. The scheme provides grants for capital works which enhance the exhibition/display facilities within the museum or which promote access to the museum. The objective is to create a fund to assist museums in contributing to the national and local culture through exhibition programmes for both locals and visitors alike. The Scheme operates on a matched funding basis (75:25), where 25% of the proposed costs must be provided by the applicant. Full details of the scheme including eligibility requirements are available on my Departments website, www.gov.ie/en/service/676e1-regional-museum-exhibitions scheme/

Funding available under this scheme is capped at €15,000. The 2024 scheme closed for applications on 26 April. It is currently envisaged that this funding scheme will run again in 2025 and will launch in the first quarter of the year. Anyone interested in the scheme can register their interest at L&RMS@tcagsm.gov.ie to receive updates on the next round of the scheme.

My Department also runs a Mobility of Collections scheme for the dissemination of the National Collections to regional museums and to support greater regional and local access to material held in the National Collections. The Scheme is designed to fund the transport, cost of insurance and exhibiting costs for pieces from the National Collections to appropriate institutions around the country. Details of the 2024 Scheme may be found at www.gov.ie/en/service/6a6bd-mobility-of-collections-scheme/

This scheme is demand driven and has a 2024 allocation of €40,000. The deadline for applications under the 2024 scheme is 1pm on 2 August. Anyone interested in the scheme can register their interest at csu@tcagsm.gov.ie.