Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
558. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the specific measures being taken to ensure that funding for arts and cultural organisations, particularly in rural and regional areas, is distributed equitably; and if he will provide details of any delays or funding shortfalls reported in the current financial year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16890/26]
View answerThis Government places great value on culture and the arts sector. As outlined in the Programme for Government, we recognise that they are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement.
Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council has primary responsibility for the development of the arts in Ireland and Budget 2026 provided record funding of €140 million for the Arts Council. I have asked the Arts Council to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to specific measures being taken to ensure that funding for arts and cultural organisations, particularly in rural and regional areas, is distributed equitably and for details of any delays or funding shortfalls reported in the current financial year. Please contact my private office if you not hear from them within ten working days.
In regard to arts capital funding, my Department has run a number of funding programmes under the Cultural Capital Scheme in recent years, most recently Stream E which provided grants of up to €50,000 for capital works and equipment. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department is developing a new programme of capital funding for arts and culture organisations across the country. This will see much needed capital supports for arts and culture organisations. My Department is in the process of designing the specifications of the scheme, including the setting of eligibility criteria.
Another cultural capital funding scheme available from my Department is the €6 million pilot Artist Workspaces Scheme which was launched in June 2024. Under this scheme, local authorities outside Dublin City Council are invited to propose projects which enable them to provide additional artist workspaces in their regions on a sustainable basis and produce fit for purpose workspaces. Funding of up to €300,000 is available for densely populated local authority areas and €150,000 for other local authorities.
All applicants for arts capital funding are assessed against eligibility criteria as set out in the schemes guidelines. Grantees are also required to comply with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 13/2014 - Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds.
