Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 June 2025
90. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if a late-application process is available under the grassroots music venues support scheme; if an appeal process is available under the grassroots music venues support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32993/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra91. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the grassroots music venues support scheme will re-open, given the high level of interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32994/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question 91 and Question 90 together.
I launched the Grassroots Music Venue Support Scheme in March this year, to support small established music venues that promote themselves and are known in the community for programming grassroots music artists. The Scheme operated with a total fund of €500,000 and grants were available of up to €15,000 to host events showcasing the talent of emerging, grassroots artists performing live music they have written or created themselves.
Applications were assessed by my officials strictly by order of date and time of receipt and all venues had to meet the eligibility criteria and conditions of funding, in accordance with the guidelines of the Scheme. The Scheme was extremely popular and was closed on the 10th April 2025, as it was oversubscribed.
Last week I announced the names of 33 venues that were awarded funding, with 16 of the venues announced located outside the major cities, underscoring the Government’s commitment to supporting rural and regional cultural hubs.
An appeal process is available and can be made by an applicant to the Department if they consider that the process for reviewing their application was not adhered to.
I understand that there are many disappointed applicants but as I have previously said this is the first phase of this scheme and I will consider a second phase.
