Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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604. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the funding supports that exist for individuals or communities with plans to build, develop or establish a museum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48180/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the interest at community level throughout the country 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. In many cases, regional and thematic museums, galleries and cultural centres across the country have been initiated in partnership with or supported by local authorities. In this context, project promoters could consult with the local authority for their perspective, particularly in the context of their sectoral or local development plans.

There are two schemes operated by my Department that would be of relevance when a 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. Funding available under this scheme is capped at €15,000. Full details of the scheme including eligibility requirements are available on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/en/service/676e1-regional-museum-exhibitions scheme/
• The Mobility of Collections Scheme supports the dissemination of the National Collections to regional museums with a view to 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/