Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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278. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to consider introducing a murals scheme for all towns and villages across County Kerry, as such a scheme will enhance the attractiveness of these towns and villages and encourage visitors to stop, shop and stay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51005/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Creative Ireland Programme is an all of government initiative within my department with the ambition to transform our lives, society and economy by increasing the connection to our collective creativity.

Within the Creative Ireland Programme, Creative Communities is a partnership between my Department and Ireland’s 31 local authorities, supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Each local authority has developed its own Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023-2027 and receives Creative Ireland funding for projects that deliver on the principles and values of Creative Communities, including broadening access to, and participation in, cultural and creative activities. This can include activities such as community murals.

Since 2020, the Culture and Creativity team in Kerry County Council has delivered a Murals Programme across various locations in the county, such as the Green Mile, Killarney Municipal District and Listowel Municipal District, and worked in partnership with local organisations such as the Tralee Tidy Towns Association. This popular initiative received €118,300 in Creative Ireland funding, which supported the creation of 19 murals.

Should the Deputy wish to contact the Kerry County Council Creative Communities Engagement Officer, details are available here: www.creativeireland.gov.ie/en/kerry.