Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
535. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if supports will be given to ensure that a major arts centre in Dublin city (details supplied) in danger of being closed down at short notice, could stay open to ensure tangible economic benefit to the Irish live events sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71986/25]
View answerThe Complex is a multidisciplinary arts and creative venue in Dublin’s North Inner City, governed by a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. The Complex has been leasing its building from a private landlord on a site ringfenced for redevelopment.
Proposals for the development of local arts centres are a matter in the first instance for the relevant local authority. County and city development plans are drawn up by local authorities in accordance with their functions under the Planning and Development Acts. This would include policy objectives for development in that county, including the arts.
Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to arts and culture centres by local authorities and the Arts Council. The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport provides grants as a contribution towards maintaining and enhancing existing arts and culture facilities but does not provide funding for the purchase of buildings.
Officials from my Department met with the Chair of The Complex and other members of the team in December 2024 and advised them of this position. Further communication in June 2025 reiterated that position. No funding was sought from this Department for the purchase of the building by the Complex and any refurbishment support would require chargeable title to be in place.
