Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 May 2024
108. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding available from her Department for the establishment of local museums and to assist in the collection and collation of local historical artefacts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24362/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not operate a scheme to support the establishment of local museums. Such needs are usually addressed in the first instance by community groups with the local authority in their area. My Department does however operate two schemes that could be relevant to the collection and collation of local historical artefacts;
The Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme is a scheme of funding support for local, regional and specialised museums, with their own permanent premises, to promote and enhance these institutions through the provision of funding for capital exhibition costs. The scheme provides grants for capital works which enhance the exhibition/display facilities within the museum or which promote access to the museum. The objective is to create a fund to assist museums in contributing to the national and local culture through exhibition programmes for both locals and visitors alike. The Scheme operates on a matched funding basis (75:25), where 25% of the proposed costs must be provided by the applicant. Full details of the scheme including eligibility requirements are available on my Departments website www.gov.ie/en/service/676e1-regional-museum-exhibitions-scheme/. Funding available under this scheme is capped at €15,000. The 2024 scheme closed for applications on 26th April. It is currently envisaged that this funding scheme will run again in 2025 and will launch in the first quarter of the year. Anyone interested in the scheme can register their interest at L&RMS@tcagsm.gov.ie to receive updates on the next round of the scheme.
My Department also runs a Mobility of Collections scheme for the dissemination of the National Collections to regional museums and to support greater regional and local access to material held in the National Collections. The Scheme is designed to fund the transport, cost of insurance and exhibiting costs for pieces from the National Collections to appropriate institutions around the country. Details of the 2024 Scheme may be found at www.gov.ie/en/service/6a6bd-mobility-of-collections-scheme/. This scheme is demand driven and has a 2024 allocation of €40,000. The deadline for applications under the 2024 scheme is 1pm on 2nd August. Anyone interested in the scheme can register their interest at csu@tcagsm.gov.ie.
It may also be beneficial for museums to contact their Local Authority or the Heritage Council for possible funding opportunities.
I appreciate the dedication and interest at community level throughout the country that brings people together to preserve and celebrate aspects of our culture and heritage. These initiatives, often reflecting local or sectoral interests, can contribute to a sense of community and a pride in place or tradition. The early development relies on the philanthropic commitment of those involved and their supporters as they seek support from local authorities and sponsorship from the business community. The schemes operated by my Department would be of relevance when the museum project has progressed towards maturity and stability.
