Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

529. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the projects that received funding from the recent tranche of the large-scale sports infrastructure fund which were not the identified by the relevant local authority as the number one priority for their county. [2445/25]

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In 2024, the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) received an unprecedented demand for funding, amounting to €665 million from 96 applications. As a result of this significant demand, a range of valid applications did not receive an LSSIF allocation at the initial allocation stage.

The Department's website (www.gov.ie/en/service/6f3f3-large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif-2024/) details the projects allocated funding as well as the prioritisation accorded to projects by local authorities and National Governing Bodies of sport and the scoring matrix applied by the Department.

In relation to LSSIF applications which have not received an allocation, it should be noted that a reserve list is being prepared by the Department. Remaining valid applications will be assessed and placed in a prioritised order on this list and, as additional LSSIF funding becomes available, projects on the reserve list may then be funded.

Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

530. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to outline the levels of support, including financial, provided by his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department to amateur theatre and amateur musical theatre in Ireland in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2458/25]

Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

532. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to provide an update on actions taken by his Department in response to the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media Report on the Development of Local and Community Arts published on 11 July 2024. [2460/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 530 and 532 together.

The recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee's report on 'The Development of Local and Community Arts' broadly align in many instances with policies and programmes in place in my Department in relation to areas such as local arts infrastructure, disability, and arts and health. These are also reflected in the newly agreed Programme for Government.

My Department support the arts at amateur and professional levels in a range of ways:

• Annual funding provided to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for its work in the protection and promotion of Irish traditional music and culture.
• This year, Culture Ireland has been allocated €8m to support more Irish artists to launch and develop their careers on an international stage.
• The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme is a three year, €105m scheme involving 2,000 artists and creative arts workers nationwide.
• Increased funding for the Safe to Create Programme, including Minding Creative Minds, that supports all artists and creatives.
• A pilot capital support scheme for Arts, Culture and the Night Time Economy supports development of vibrant late night arts and culture scenes in Irish cities, towns and villages.
• Capital grants are available to assist in the provision of building and equipment needs, artists’ workspaces, and adapting facilities to reduce energy needs and carbon footprints.
• The Music Capital Scheme managed by Music Network provides funding for the purchase of musical instruments for non-professional performing groups/ensembles and professional musicians.
• Creative Ireland Programme funding supports the delivery of a number of creative projects nationwide
• Funding is provided for cultural events such as St Patrick’s Festival and Other Voices, that in turns helps to sustain the arts at all levels.
• In collaboration with the local authorities, Fáilte Ireland's regional festival scheme is available to local community festivals.
• A small-scale local festivals and summer schools scheme, with funding of up to €5,000 is designed to support local cultural festivals and summer schools that are not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies.
• Tourism Ireland works with many festivals to provide exposure for them in key markets overseas.
• Funding programmes within the Broadcasting and Gaeltacht areas also serve to promote many artists and creative talents from across the music sectors.

Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

531. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to provide a list of all projects funded under stream E of the cultural capital programme of his Department for each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [2459/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme opened for applications on 14 June 2023. Since then, 23 grantees were awarded funding of over €640k up to the end of 2024. A full list of all payments for 2023 under this Scheme can be found at www.gov.ie/en/publication/b1eab-creative-arts-grants-and-funding-previous-schemes/#cultural-development-expenditure. All capital expenditure for 2024, including payments under Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme, will be published on the Department’s website at the above link by the end of February.