Aidan Farrelly
Question:678. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his plans to establish a new arts and culture venue in Kildare north. [10049/26]
View answerTuesday, 10 February 2026
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Written answers
As outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government believes that culture and the arts are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement.
County and city development plans are drawn up by local authorities in accordance with their functions under the Planning and Development Acts. Many of the existing nationwide infrastructure of venues and arts centres were initiated and funded by local authorities.
Accordingly, proposals for the development of new arts centres are a matter in the first instance for the local authority. Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to this arts and culture infrastructure by local authorities and the Arts Council.
My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist development and to maintain these arts and cultural facilities. In Budget 2026, the Department was allocated €6m for a new programme of capital funding for arts and culture organisations across the country, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. This will see much needed capital supports for communities, including funding essential equipment for organisations such as amateur drama groups and musical societies.
My Department is in the process of designing the specifications of the scheme, including the setting of eligibility criteria.