Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2026
144. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the efforts being made to protect the availability of cultural spaces in Dublin city; the measures being taken by his Department to limit the loss of cultural spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15375/26]
View answerThe provision of local arts centres is a matter in the first instance for the relevant local authority. County and city development plans are drawn up by local authorities including the policy objectives for development of the arts.
Accordingly, proposals for the development of new cultural infrastructure 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.
In addition, in Dublin City, the Department has allocated €3m in funding to Space to Create, an initiative that aims to provide up to sixty artist workspaces in Dublin City, and these projects are currently being progressed in partnership with Dublin City Council.
The Department is supporting the redevelopment of the National Cultural Institutions in the city including the National Concert Hall, the National Library, the Abbey Theatre, the Natural History Museum, the National Museum in Kildare Street, the Chester Beatty and the National Gallery. The Department has also supported the works at 11 Parnell Square for Poetry Ireland and the planned development at 15-16 Henrietta Street for Na Píobairí Uilleann.
