Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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410. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to make the necessary resources available for major commemorations in County Kerry to mark 250 years since the birth of Daniel O'Connell (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9079/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government includes a commitment to mark the 250th Anniversary of the birth of Daniel O’Connell on 6 August 2025. My Department through its Commemorations Unit provides a supportive and facilitative approach for key stakeholders and project partners to develop commemorative events and initiatives.

My Department is at present actively engaging with key stakeholders, including the Department of the Taoiseach and the Office of Public Works, to develop a range of measures and events to mark this anniversary. I look forward to sharing the details of the approved programme of events and initiatives when these are finalised.

Each year a grant funding allocation has been made available to local authorities to develop commemorative programmes, determining what is appropriate for their local area, in light of local history, experience, and expertise. All initiatives supported through this allocation are at the discretion of the local authority but are required to be in-keeping with the principles and guidance set out by the Expert Advisory Group.

My Department has engaged with Kerry County Council regarding the significant Daniel O’Connell anniversaries this year and will continue to facilitate and support them as appropriate. This partnership approach has worked so well in the past as highlighted by the success of Kerry County Council’s three-day conference marking the centenary of the Irish Civil War in Kerry and nationally, that took place in 2023.