Written Answers Nos. 197-210
197. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the match funding arrangements that will be required of successful applicants under the LSSIF announced recently; if different levels will apply to different projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45977/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Monday last, 4 November, Minister Martin and I announced the second round of funding allocations under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). This follows the first LSSIF round of allocations announced in January 2020.
The total amount of grants awarded in round 2 is €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 now stands at €297 million.
All applications submitted under the LSSIF Fund were required to have the prioritised endorsement of a National Governing Body for Sport (NGB) or a local authority. This prioritisation was one of a number of factors taken into account in the assessment and ultimate ranking of projects. The assessment and ranking of projects was also informed by factors such as the potential to enhance sports participation, sustainability, similar access for both men and women, and the ability to execute the project within a specified timeframe.
Applicants to the Fund were required to contribute a minimum of 30% of total project costs as match funding. The published guide to applicants stated that "Match funding may be in the form of a combination of wider Exchequer and/or State sector capital expenditure, local authority investment, community investment, philanthropic contributions and private sector investment. Cash-based own funding will receive more favourable assessment. Projects that provide in excess of 30% cash based own funding will also receive more favourable consideration."
The amount of own funding being contributed by applicants under this recent round varied among applicants with some projects committing to own funding contributions significantly in excess of 30%.
198. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason Portlaoise was not included in the major sports projects announcement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46005/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Monday, 4 November, Minister Martin and I announced the second round of funding allocations under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). This follows the first LSSIF round of allocations announced in January 2020. The total amount of grants awarded is €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 now stands at €297 million.
All applications submitted under the LSSIF Fund were required to have the prioritised endorsement of a National Governing Body for Sport (NGB) or of a local authority. This prioritisation was one of a number of factors taken into account in the assessment and ultimate ranking of projects. It was informed by factors such as the potential to enhance sports participation, sustainability, similar access for both men and women, and the ability to execute the project within a specified timeframe.
In relation to LSSIF applications which have not received an allocation, it should be noted that a reserve list is being prepared by the Department, on which all remaining valid applications will be assessed and placed in a prioritised order. As additional LSSIF funding becomes available, projects on the reserve list should then be able to be funded.
200. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she continues to engage with cultural groups of local and national importance throughout the country and County Kildare, with a view to maximisation of culture as a means of promoting business and boosting the economy at local and national level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46053/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she and her office continue to encourage cultural projects at local and national level, with a view to ensuring maximisation of economic benefit through the medium of culture and tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46054/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she and her Department continue to encourage all forms of the Arts including the stage and film industry, local voluntary groups and those interested in the promotion of the Arts at amateur and local level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46055/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra207. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the measures she continues to take to encourage the growth of and further development of the film industry here, both indigenous and international; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46060/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which this country remains an attractive base for film location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46061/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 201, 202, 207 and 208 together.
Screen Ireland is the national agency for the development of the Irish film, television drama, animation and documentary industry and is under the aegis of my Department. Screen Ireland invests in production activity in several ways, including local production activity investment, inward production support for international producers and co-productions, and the promotion of Ireland as a film location internationally.
Irish creatives and Irish production companies have achieved outstanding international success in recent years. Irish films, high-end TV drama, animation and documentaries have premiered at all major international festivals, sold in every territory around the world and received critical acclaim and awards recognition at the highest levels. These successes are about individual talent and the collective work of a highly skilled creative industry. It is part of a long-term strategic vision led by sustained investment in Irish filmmakers and artists over many decades.
Screen Ireland adopts a dual approach to industry development, balancing local Irish creative projects and inward international production. Attracting large-scale, international projects to Ireland generates significant spend in the Irish economy, creates employment opportunities and world-class skills development alongside ensuring strong levels of investment in Irish stories on screen and projects creatively led by Irish artists.
Nationwide skills development plays a crucial role across industry growth and continued production activity across the country. Screen Ireland provides a wide range of career supports at all levels – supporting first-time writers, directors and producers, as well as crew. The skills team in Screen Ireland address ongoing skills needs across the country through its online courses, funding schemes, courses and other activities, and through its work in relation to the skills requirements of the Section 481 tax credit.
In 2023, Screen Ireland supported over 5,000 skills participants across a range of activities, both directly and through its National Talent Academy Network, and evaluated over 50 skills development plans from Section 481-supported film and television productions.
The National Talent Academy network, which was established in 2022, comprises six Talent Academies based around the country, with a key focus on diversity and inclusion.
Screen Ireland's Inward Production team supports international production in Ireland, promoting Ireland as a filming location for international studios and production companies. The team promotes and sells Ireland as an attractive place to base a film or high-end television production, based on Ireland’s range of locations, crew expertise and experience, high-end facilities and the attractive tax credit of 32% offered by the Irish government, Section 481. They facilitate and advise these productions on visa applications, location scouting, studio space and more. Screen Ireland continues to promote the extension of the Section 481 Film Tax Relief to 2028 and the increase of the cap from €70m up to €125m.
In Budget 2025, an 8% Uplift has been introduced to section 481, to address the significant challenges faced by smaller feature film projects. This uplift is subject to State Aid approval and will apply to feature film productions with a maximum global budget of €20 million.
Also announced in Budget 2025 was the introduction of a 20% tax incentive for unscripted production, which offers further opportunities for growth across the Irish screen industry.
Screen Ireland continues to work to increase Ireland’s international profile, bringing international production activity to Ireland, and deepening US-Ireland industry relationships through the agency's LA office, established in 2021, and Screen Ireland’s Head of US Production & Partnerships.
Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council has primary responsibility for the development of the arts in Ireland. The Arts Council's commitment to the arts is provided for in its 10-years investment Strategy - Making Great Art Work.
Arts participation is a core value across all areas of the Arts Council's work and it is committed to increasing public engagement in the arts in Ireland. The Council provides financial support to a number of initiatives aimed at increasing public access, participation and engagement in the arts, including Creative Schools, Creative Places, Creative Europe and Culture Night, as well as fostering the Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plans. For example, Culture Night, in collaboration with RTÉ creates opportunities for artists at all levels. Details of all these programmes are available on the Arts Council's website.
In Budget 2025, I am providing a record of €140m in 2025 for the Arts Council.
A network of cultural infrastructure exists throughout the country with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. Annual support is provided to arts centres by local authorities and the Arts Council. Arts centres are where artists and audiences meet and this is a key part of the Arts Council strategy to invest in public engagement. My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist and maintain these arts and cultural facilities. Funding is administered through applications received for specific grant schemes.
Within my Department, there are a number of measures in place to support the arts at amateur and professional levels and include:
• Annual funding provided to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for its work in the protection and promotion of Irish traditional music and culture.
• In 2024 €7.6m, which is the highest level of funding for Culture Ireland since its establishment, will support more Irish artists to launch and develop their careers on an international stage. I have managed to secure the highest ever allocation of €8 million for Culture Ireland in Budget 2025
• The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme is a three year, €105m scheme involving 2,000 artists and creative arts workers nationwide.
• Increased funding for the Safe to Create Programme, including Minding Creative Minds, that supports all artists and creatives.
• A new pilot capital support scheme for Arts, Culture and the Night Time Economy will support development of vibrant late night arts and culture scenes in Irish cities, towns and villages as well as additional capital to assist in the provision of building and equipment needs, artists’ workspaces, and adapting facilities to reduce energy needs and carbon footprints.
• The Music Capital Scheme managed by Music Network provides funding for the purchase of musical instruments to both non-professional performing groups/ensembles and professional musicians.
• Creative Ireland Programme funding in 2023 is supporting the delivery of a number of creative projects nationwide.
• Funding is provided for cultural events such as St Patrick’s Festival, Other Voices and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann that in turns helps to sustain the arts at all levels.
• In collaboration with the local authorities, Fáilte Ireland's regional festival scheme is available to local community festivals.
• A small-scale local festivals and summer schools scheme designed to support local cultural festivals and summer schools that may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies. The maximum funding available under this scheme is capped at €5,000.
• Tourism Ireland works with many festivals to provide exposure for them in key markets overseas
• Funding programmes within the Broadcasting and Gaeltacht areas also serve to promote many artists and creative talents from across the music sector.
203. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which opportunities continue to exist for philanthropists to engage in and support the Arts nationally and locally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46056/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrivate support for the arts is an important funding source and the Government continues to support this through tax incentives and other initiatives. The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to encourage strong, mutually beneficial links between the business community and the arts community to assist arts organisations to capitalise on sponsorship opportunities and to develop business partnerships and fundraising skills.
An increase of €2m to the ceiling for donations of cultural goods to National Cultural Institutions under Section 1003 of the Taxes Consolidation Act was announced in Budget 2024. The increased the annual capacity of the scheme from €6m to €8m - the first increase since 2002. This scheme of incentivised donation provides a great opportunity for acquisitions to the national collections that would not be possible otherwise. The scheme has been beneficial to the National Cultural Institutions and other public collections.
In 2023, there were six donations made to the National Collection to five different institutions under Section 1003 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Donations cumulatively amounted to just over €5.3 million included;
• Two Donations of Irish Silver to the National Museum
• Hughie O'Donoghue Donation to the National Gallery
• Donation of Irish Silver to Waterford Treasures Museum
• Mallaghan Collection Donation to Castletown House OPW
• Donation of works by Alexander Calder to the Hugh Lane Gallery
• My Department also provides funding to Business to Arts for their Fundraising Fellowship Ireland which offers two cultural organisations 50% funding toward the employment of a full-time ‘Fundraising’ or ‘Marketing & Fundraising’ professional over a 24-month period. The recruited Fellows are supported by a structured programme of training and mentorship with Business to Arts as part of the Fellowship.
• Throughout these programmes, the Fellows take part in an intensive 24-month programme of training and mentorship, with each participating organisation receiving in excess of €80,000 worth of investment in matched-funding and professional development from Business to Arts. As part of this, leading Irish and international experts offer masterclasses to develop knowledge and understanding, offering practical and real life expertise. The Fellows also work with smaller organisations to impart their expertise to them, thus increasing the reach of the programme.
• Over €1.9 million has been raised by the Fellows of these organisations during their time participating in the programme since its inception, supporting a total of €15.2m combined for their organisations during their respective Fellowship programmes.
• The Arts Council, which is funded by my Department, is the body responsible for delivering primary support for the arts in Ireland. The Arts Council supports and develops the arts in Ireland through grant funding, project awards, support to individual artists, and support to venues, publications and resource organisations. The Council is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003.
• The Arts Council operates the RAISE programme, which seeks to enhance fund-raising skills in arts organisations with a view to diversifying the sector's sources of funding. It is designed to assist the sector in securing philanthropic contributions to the arts in Ireland. Many arts organisations have benefited from and continue to benefit as a result of the RAISE initiative.
• Funding for the Arts Council has increased very significantly in recent years, from €105m in 2020 to €134m in 2024 and €140m in Budget 2025.
204. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she can facilitate those who have previously been awarded capital sports grants and have not been in a position to complete the projects due to various reasons, if arrangements can be made to ensure they be given an extension of time to meet their requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46057/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 25 September, Minister Martin and I announced €230 million in grants for sports clubs and facilities under phase 2 of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme).
Over a quarter of a billion euro has been allocated to community sports clubs and facilities in 2024, taking account of the earlier equipment-only allocation of €26 million, with a total investment of €256 million. This will facilitate the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
Successful applicants for the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme) should proceed with projects as quickly as possible and submit at the earliest possible date all relevant documentation for approval in order that grants can be processed promptly. Organisations are advised that they must have demonstrated a substantial amount of progress on projects by a specified date to facilitate the drawdown of the grant.
Clubs or organisations experiencing difficulties are encouraged to contact the Department, who will show flexibility, where genuine difficulties in progressing projects are encountered.
205. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which endeavours continue to be made to host international sporting events in this country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46058/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government continues to support the hosting of major sports events in Ireland and to explore further hosting opportunities.
This is evidenced by the Government’s support for events such as the annual US College Football Classic since 2022, the hosting of the UEFA Europa League Final in 2024, the Ryder Cup in 2027 in Limerick and the EURO 2028 football championships.
The new policy and framework strategy on the hosting of Major International Sports Events, which was approved by government on 24 July, is the first policy of its kind in Ireland and follows a public comprehensive consultation process, including direct engagement with sports bodies, consultation with key stakeholders and a review of comparable policies in other jurisdictions.
The publication of the Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework stems from a commitment under the Programme for Government to develop a strategy to identify the type of major sporting events Ireland can and should bid for and how these events can be used to increase sporting participation, encourage domestic and international tourism, and promote Ireland.
The policy, in both Irish and English, can be found on my Department's website.
206. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which business tourism continues to be encouraged with the obviously necessity of having to compete internationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46059/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of developing national tourism policy and the tourism agencies, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, deal with the implementation of this policy.
In 2023, my Department established a Business Tourism Strategy Group to prepare an agreed strategy and oversee the development of co-ordination structures for the delivery by the tourism agencies on their respective roles and responsibilities in relation to Business Events.
I recently received from this group a Business Events Strategy which I have accepted and approved. The strategy is the culmination of 18 months of collaboration and engagement between my Department, the tourism agencies and industry stakeholders. The strategy aims to develop Ireland’s international reputation as a responsible and attractive business events destination and a sustainability champion in the hosting of international business events. It will also serve as a catalyst for delivering significant social and environmental benefits through integration with other government policies and strategies.
In the wider context, supporting and promoting international business events is an operational matter for both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland through the “Meet in Ireland” business events brand for the island of Ireland (www.meetinireland.com/). I have accordingly referred the Deputy's question to both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland and asked them to reply directly to the Deputy with further information on this matter. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days
209. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she continues to ensure the continued growth and viability of all portfolios under her aegis with obvious benefit for tourism, culture, arts, sport and media; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46062/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought is set out below in respect of each sectoral area of my Department.
Tourism
A key high level objective of my Department is investment in tourism marketing and product development. Budget 2025 has maintained the substantial support that the Government has provided over the last number of years to the tourism sector. The 2025 allocation of €226.3 million for tourism, including a €61.4 million allocation to the Tourism Marketing Fund and €36.5m in capital funding, will allow Tourism Ireland to continue its major marketing campaigns overseas and facilitate Fáilte Ireland in continuing its work in areas such as destination development, tourism careers and home holiday promotion. It will also support both agencies in enhancing the tourist experience and supporting tourism businesses in Ireland in areas such as festivals, digital transformation and sustainability.
In relation to policy generally, earlier this week I published a new National Tourism Policy Framework for the period to 2030. The Framework mainstreams environmental, economic and societal sustainability across the entire tourism sector and aims to establish Ireland as a leading tourism destination, excelling in sustainable development practices that deliver better economic, social and environmental outcomes for all. The new Framework has policy objectives in relation to careers in tourism, innovation, product development, regionality, seasonality and the impact of broader Government decisions on the sector. The Policy Framework will ensure that tourism can grow in a sustainable manner and has a particular focus on growing tourism in less developed tourist areas. A copy of the new Policy Framework is available on my Department’s website.
Culture
My Department’s Arts and Culture programme aims to promote and develop Ireland’s world class artistic and creative strengths at home and abroad, maximising their societal and economic value for the country, and supporting Arts and the entertainment sector to develop and grow.
National Cultural Institutions (NCIs) and NCI Capital Investment Programme
I am committed to enhancing access to and engagement with culture and creativity for the benefit of society through various channels, including through our National Cultural Institutions (NCIs). My Department supports the NCIs through annual funding in support of their operations and programming, and by ensuring that their work is supported by a robust legislative and corporate governance underpinning.
My Department has been working with the National Monuments Service, the National Museum of Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to progress the commencement of the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, (HAHMP). This will institute provisions equipped to cater for the protection of historic heritage in a modern era and benefit all engaged with objects of Irish culture and heritage.
My Department is also working with the NCIs and the Office of Public Works to deliver an ambitious capital investment programme that will redevelop and futureproof our institutions for generations to come. My Department provides guidance and support to the sector through the provision of an overarching cultural policy framework.
Commemorations
Following the conclusion of the Decade of Centenaries Programme in December 2023, it was recognised that people still wanted to explore their history and mark locally significant centenaries and other anniversaries after the Decade of Centenaries.
The Department is adopting a supportive and facilitative approach in planning for future commemorations, while not recreating the Decade of Centenaries Programme in scope or scale, and in the context of the annual budget and resources available. The principles and work of the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) leaves a permanent legacy, which will continue to support and guide future commemorations.
My Department continues to support our local authorities, in this new phase of commemorations, as they develop independently their commemorative programmes specific to their locality and their communities. This year and each year through the Decade of Centenaries Programme, I have approved a funding allocation to each local authority for their commemorative programmes with a specified amount going towards a creative or artistic element.
The continued interest from the public and our stakeholders has also resulted in the continuation of two legacy projects.
In October, I announced the 10 new Markievicz Awardees. This award is run in partnership with the Arts Council. It is designed to support artists to develop their craft and ultimately produce great art that recognises and commemorates the role of women in the twentieth century and beyond. These winners bring the total number of artists funded through this allocation to 52 and a total funding allocation of nearly €1.2million.
I will shortly announce the next recipients of the Commemorations Bursary in honour of the late Dr Éamon Phoenix, historian and former EAG member. The bursary supports local historians, both amateur and professional, to create new research. While originally the Bursary was focused on the events of the Decade of Centenaries the scope has now been extended to include other significant historical events and themes.
Plans are also continuing for the 2025 National Famine Commemoration which aims to ensure that the famine, its victims, and its legacy are not forgotten. The event rotates annually among each province of Ireland and will take place in Munster in 2025. In line with a 2018 Government Decision it is held on the third Sunday of May (or the preceding Saturday if required). The National Famine Commemoration continues to grow in importance and significance, as an opportunity for the host community but also the wider country to reflect on one of the most tragic and impactful events in Irish history.
Representation of Women and Women’s Stories within the collections of the NCIs
A new Advisory Committee on the Representation of Women and Women’s Stories within the collections of the National Cultural Institutions has been appointed to examine how the diverse experiences and voices of women, particularly historically marginalised women, are represented in the context of the national cultural institutions and the national collections.
Night-Time Economy
The Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report, published in September 2021, contains a set of recommendations on how to support and develop a Night-Time Economy (NTE) in Ireland. The Night-Time Economy is a hugely important sector contributing to our economy and our cultural and creative sectors and is an important driver of Tourism. Having a diverse range of evening entertainment and night-time activities can boost the local economy and is an essential element of providing a successful tourist destination experience and has a major role in in how a city or town is enjoyed and perceived. I have secured funding of €2.5 million in budget 2025 in support of a range of measures to develop the Night-Time Economy and we will continue to liaise with the NTE Sector, our relevant Government Colleagues and Agencies on how best to develop a vibrant night time culture and economy.
Basic Income for the Arts
The Basic Income for the Arts scheme is a three-year pilot that was the number one recommendation of the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce, which I established in 2020 to examine ways in which to help the arts recover post pandemic. I am very pleased to have been able to deliver on this recommendation.
The scheme has been firmly established as a research project so that an evidence base can be developed around the impact of the payment which will inform future Government policy in relation to how Ireland supports her artists.
2,000 recipients were selected in 2022 to receive payment of €325 per week. The pilot scheme is funded €35m per year and will continue in 2025.
Culture Ireland
In Budget 2025 I secured the highest ever allocation of funding in its history to Culture Ireland at €8m. 2025 also marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Culture Ireland and this funding will help deliver on its mission to promote Irish arts globally.
Creative Ireland
I am pleased that funding of €10.7 million provided to the Creative Ireland Programme in 2024 will be maintained in 2025 with an ambition to inspire and transform people, places and communities through creativity. Under the Shared Island Initiative, €2.975 million was allocated in 2024 to the Creative Ireland Programme, and with a further €2.565 million secured for 2025 that will bring the total allocation to €6 million over 3 years.
Gaeltacht
Official Languages Acts 2003 and 2021
€1.5m has been secured in Budget 2025 to continue the work in ensuring the full and successful implementation of the Official Languages Acts 2003 and 2021 and the first ever National Plan for Irish Language Public Services, which was published in October 2024.
This year An Coimisinéir Teanga published an initial overview of compliance by public bodies in 2023 with Section 10A of the amended Official Language Act. These figures indicate investment of €10.4m by public bodies in Irish language advertising in 2023 and €3.8m in advertising on Irish language media, which is hugely positive and will look to be grown on in the coming years.
Sport
In relation to sport, the further growth and viability of this important sector is being driven and guided by the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 (NSP). When the NSP was published in 2018, it set a commitment to double investment in sport to more than €220 million by 2027. As a result of Budget 2025, the funding allocation for sport next year will be over €230 million. This means that two years ahead of schedule, this Government has more than doubled the funding for sport, compared to 2018 levels.
Implementation of the NSP continues to proceed satisfactorily and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, on 6 November, I published the new Sports Action Plan 2024-2027 with the aim of ensuring the continued development and success of Irish sport. The publication of the new Sport Action Plan, which sets out 47 specific initiatives, underlines the commitment and determination of the government to increase our participation levels in sport and physical activity. In order to meet our ambitious participation targets, we need to promote a ‘Sport for All’ approach and the publication of this new plan is one way in which we are working to tackle the participation gap where it exists, such as among people with a disability.
The development and implementation of a Local Sports Plan by every Local Authority in the country is an action in the National Sports Policy and work on their development is scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks. Local Sports Plans will review needs by taking a strategic look at the provision of sports and recreation facilities, infrastructure, programmes and services, with the ultimate aim of increasing sports participation locally.
Last August, I was pleased to launch Ireland’s first National Swimming Strategy which sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim. It includes an Action Plan containing over 50 actions across five thematic strands, covering both indoor and outdoor swimming and taking account of all ages and abilities.
Major Sports Events
My Department is continuing to support the hosting of Major Sports Events in Ireland and to explore further hosting opportunities. This is evidenced by the Government’s support for events such as the US College Football Classic every August from 2022 – 2026, the hosting of the UEFA Europa League Final in 2024, the Ryder Cup in 2027 in Limerick and the EURO 2028 football championships.
On October 2024, the launch of the first Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework took place. The publication of this policy and strategy framework delivers on the Government commitment to develop a strategy to identify the type of major sporting events we can and should bid for (in particular those cancelled because of COVID-19), and how these events can be used to increase sporting participation, encourage domestic and international tourism, and promote Ireland.
Community Sport Facilities Fund
On 25 September, Minister Byrne and I announced €230 million in grants for sports clubs and facilities under phase 2 of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme). Over a quarter of a billion euro has been allocated to community sports clubs and facilities in 2024, taking account of the earlier equipment-only allocation of €26 million, with a total investment of €256 million. This will facilitate the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
On 4 November 2024, Minister Byrne and I announced the second round of funding allocations under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). This follows the first LSSIF round of allocations announced in January 2020.The total amount of grants awarded is €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 now reaches €297 million.
The allocation of €173 brings the total investment in sports capital and recreation for 2024 to €429 million.
Broadcasting and Media
The Online Safety and Media Regulation Act was signed into law in December 2022. Under the Act a new multi-person regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, was established on 15 March 2023 and commissioners were appointed. Government provided significant funding to kick start An Coimisiún enabling it to develop Ireland’s online safety framework and resource it to enforce updated rules for broadcasters and video on-demand providers. In October, as provided for under the OSMR Act, An Coimisiún adopted Ireland’s first online safety code.
Further to the publication of the Future of Media Commission report in July 2022, Government established an Implementation Group to develop an Implementation Strategy and Action Plan to give effect to the accepted recommendations. The Plan was published in January 2023 and work is continuing on the delivery of the commitments in the Action Plan.
The Future of Media Commission recommended the establishment of a new Media Fund to provide support for the provision of public service content by the wider media and journalism sector at local, regional and national levels on a platform neutral basis. I secured €6m in Budget 2024 for new Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes, which were launched by Coimisiún na Meán earlier this year. Further Exchequer support for the Media Fund was announced as part of Budget 2025 with €10m being available next year, and which will facilitate the development and roll out of further schemes to support the wider media sector.
Building on the €28.4m in additional Exchequer funding which has been provided to the Broadcasting Fund over the lifetime of this Government, a further €6m will be available in 2025 to support news and current affairs content on independent and commercial broadcasters through the Sound and Vision scheme.
In July 2023, I launched an examination of RTÉ consisting of Reviews of Governance and Culture and of Contractor Fees, HR and Other Matters and the appointment of a forensic accountant to examine the RTÉ barter account and any other off-balance sheet accounts. On 7 May 2024, I published both the Reviews and the report of the forensic accountant. On 24 June 2024, both my Department and RTÉ published implementation plans, setting out how the 116 recommendations of the Reviews would be implemented, and work remains ongoing to deliver on these important commitments.
In October I published the general scheme of a Broadcasting Bill which will also give effect to a number of the recommendations made by the Expert Advisory Committee on Governance and Culture at RTÉ, including bringing RTÉ under the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General, and strengthening the functions and duties of the Boards of our public service broadcasters. The Bill will also increase transparency and value-for-money by reforming the system of assessing the performance and funding of RTÉ and TG4 by giving Coimisiún na Meán greater authority in line with the recommendations of the Future of Media Commission.
Following this, Government agreed multi-annual public funding for RTÉ which, through a combination of an improved TV licence system and Exchequer support, will ensure that RTÉ is supported to deliver on its Statement of Strategy.
In September 2023, I launched Cúla4, TG4’s new Irish language television service for children and young people, which follows a period of sustained investment in TG4. This investment has seen TG4’s total funding increased to €60 million, a total increase of almost €23 million or 61% since I began my term in 2020.
The multi-stakeholder Working Group established to develop Ireland’s first National Counter Disinformation Strategy is in the drafting phase and hopes to finalise the Strategy as soon as practicable.
210. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports available to an organisation (details supplied) in the north inner city to help it develop its cultural and artistic space; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45344/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe network of venues and arts centres established throughout the State receive ongoing annual funding from the Arts Council. Funding for the Arts Council has increased steadily since I became Minister and I was delighted to secure the record figure of €140 million for 2025.
My Department focuses on providing capital grants to arts and culture facilities. Much of the nationwide infrastructure of venues and arts centres used by the artistic communities and the professional arts were initiated and funded by local authorities. My Department provides grants as a contribution towards securing and enhancing existing arts and culture facilities rather than the development of major new centres.
At present, my Department has a capital funding scheme open for applications. Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme focuses on enhancing the existing stock of arts and culture centres throughout the country. In line with the Government's action plan on climate change, Stream E also welcomes projects that reduce an organisation's carbon footprint as well as projects that provide additional capacity for artistic production. Projects that address access and health and safety issues are also supported.
Stream E offers grants up to €50,000 to not-for-profit organisations with a defined arts and culture remit. Grants of up to €20,000 are available at 85% grant funding rate except for Local Authority owned facilities where the maximum grant is 60% of eligible costs. Grants of up to €50,000 are provided at a maximum grant funding rate of 70% (60% for Local Authority owned facilities). Full details of this Scheme including Application Form, Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions are available on my Department’s page of the website at the following link www.gov.ie/en/publication/46f4f-creative-arts-grants-and-funding/. Details of all cultural capital grant expenditure provided by my Department is available on the website showing the grantee and the annual amounts paid by county each year. This information is available at the following link www.gov.ie/en/publication/b1eab-creative-arts-grants-and-funding-previous-schemes/#cultural-development-expenditure.
Proposals for the development of local arts centres are a matter in the first instance for the 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 the county including the arts.
