Written Answers Nos. 61-75
61. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on work currently being undertaken within his Department to liaise with the private sector to ensure there is improvement in communication infrastructure in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52189/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been working with colleagues in industry to examine the impact that Storm Éowyn had on communication networks and to put in place measures and structures to lessen the impact of future storms. Progress is being made in developing improved response and resilience capacities within the sector following January's storm.
All network operators, both fixed and mobile, have conducted a review of their preparedness for the risks posed by storms. They have advised me of resilience investments and actions they are making this year and over the coming years to improve their networks’ abilities to withstand the kinds of physical damage and prolonged mains power loss that we experienced in January. These investments and actions include:
• Identification of critical sites nationwide that will be hardened and prioritised for recovery in the event of future storms
• Upgrades of backup battery capacity for key mobile sites
• Acquisition of additional generator capacity to be deployed to sites experiencing a prolonged loss of mains power.
• Reconfiguration of power management for priority sites, to reduce power consumption and to provide a minimum level of service for a longer period.
• Continuous replacement programme of older batteries each year to avoid degradation of the battery capacities.
• Engagement with site providers and landowners to prioritise clearance of access paths in the event of fallen trees or vegetation blocking access to hilltop sites.
Additionally, my Department, in cooperation with the independent regulator, ComReg, and telecoms infrastructure providers is currently establishing a group to focus on improving the telecommunications sector’s coherence, coordination and preparedness when it comes to network resilience and future storm responses. This group will focus on ensuring that this largely privatised sector is better prepared to work with the State's national and local emergency response structures such that we will see a much better response to storm-related issues and a faster service recovery time.
62. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures being taken by his Department to encourage the establishment of swimming pools in towns that currently have no such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51927/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s first National Swimming Strategy 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, focusing on providing improved facilities, increasing access for people with disabilities, improving the culture of inclusion, better coaching supports, increasing safety awareness and providing a pathway that allows for the nurturing and development of potential high performers.
A key focus of the Strategy is on providing improved facilities and there is a specific action in the strategy to complete an in-depth analysis of swimming pool provision within Ireland with particular reference to identifying gaps in provision. Swim Ireland is currently undertaking an analysis of the type and nature of swimming pool ownership in the country and will publish a report in this regard in the coming period.
In support of the National Swimming Strategy, additional funding of €500,000 was provided to Swim Ireland in 2024 for the deployment of swimming activators to work within local authority areas, focusing on increasing participation amongst under-represented groups and improving coaching supports and facilities. This additional funding will also be provided in 2025 and 2026 – totalling €1.5 million over three years.
Responsibility for the delivery of the Strategy’s Action Plan is shared across Government Departments, State Agencies and other key stakeholders, including local authorities. Sport Ireland recently established an oversight group of key stakeholders to oversee the Strategy’s implementation.
Previously, Government support for new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools was provided through the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP). 52 pools have been completed under the LASPP, with a Lucan project currently under construction.
Capital support for new swimming pools, and the refurbishment of existing pools, is also provided by my Department through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The LSSIF has allocated €28.9 million to 9 swimming pool projects over recent years.
In addition, under the 2023 round of the Community Sports Facilities Fund, a total of over €1.5 million was allocated to 40 swimming projects in 2024.
63. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the introduction of a culture card for 16- and 17-year-olds to access theatre, music and art events has been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52509/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe commitment to examine the introduction of a Culture Card for 16 and 17-year-olds to access theatre, music and art events was among the several initiatives to be progressed over the lifetime of the Government.
Before I examine the introduction of a youth Culture Card and its potential to enhance interest in the arts among young people, my Department will have to undertake an assessment of modalities, scope, and reach for a Youth Card scheme. I understand that the initial steps in this regard commenced in recent weeks.
It is important to ensure that any initiative provides access opportunities for all young people and represents an effective and efficient use of resources. Consideration will be supported with advice from my Department, other relevant Departments, the National Cultural Institutions, and stakeholders in the arts sector.
Research regarding arts and cultural participation among children confirms the benefits to children when they engage in the arts in their early years, and also indicates that patterns of participation in the arts are set from a very young age. My Department actively supports a range of institutions, programmes and initiatives which create opportunities for all ranges of young people around the country to engage with the arts and culture with little or no further participation cost to the public which includes:-
The Arts Council partnering with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) on an Arts in Early learning & Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) pilot. The pilot is being overseen by a steering group made up of representatives from the DCEDIY Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare Division, the Department of Education Early Years Inspectorate, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), this Department and the Arts Council.
National Library of Ireland provides free online and in-person guided tours of the WB Yeats and Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again exhibitions to both Primary and Secondary School tours. It also offers a limited number of studentships and internships to suitable applicants, partnering with UCD School of Library and Information Studies, the UCD School of History, the Irish Committee of Historical Sciences, and the Heritage Council of Ireland to offer placements that support the NLI’s work across various fields. These programmes allow students to gain hands-on experience, contribute to research, and develop skills that enhance their academic and professional development
The Chester Beatty offers an ongoing and regular programme of creative workshops, with a particular focus on well-being, for teens aged 12-17 years known as Chester Beatty’s Creative Lab for Teens, and is currently working on an Erasmus grant application to work with young people in the Dublin 1 and 7 areas. The proposal is to look at how the museum and heritage sector can address Education for Sustainable Development with young people. The learning resources will be presented at the National Forum on Education for Sustainable Development in October 2025
The National Gallery has an active and engaged youth panel, who connect with many teams within the Gallery, and who create events for young people, by young people. The Youth Panel curated the Gallery’s first Youth Festival in 2024, and the 2025 Youth Festival runs from 29th September to 5th October.
It also has an Education Team which includes a Fellow dedicated to programming for young people, supported by the Apollo Foundation since 2019. In 2024, the Apollo Project engaged with 79,928 young people and their communities via 102 events, activities, and pieces of online content.
Creative Ireland’s Creative Youth Plan 2023-2027 aims to embed creativity into the heart of children and young people’s lives. Through a cross-government partnership between this Department, the Department of Education, the Department of Children Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Arts Council, a combined inter-departmental budget allocation of over €10 million in 2025, including an allocation through the Government’s Shared Island initiative, will provide creative opportunities for 0-24 year olds. With a particular focus on ensuring access for children and young people that are seldom heard and at risk of disadvantage, programmes include;
* Cruinniú na nÓg: The annual day of creativity for children and young people up to 18 years of age, took place on 7th June this year in collaboration with all 31 local authorities and 3 strategic partnerships, with all events free to attend. In 2025, over 1000 events took place across the island of Ireland.
I am very conscious that the access provided under official programmes is only part of a wide sphere of activity in the arts. These programmes are complemented by the initiatives on Basic Income for Artists, the availability of exhibition and performance spaces, the provision of art in public spaces, and arts content in the media and on online platforms. Access and exposure to the arts from an early age can establish a lifetime interest and a fulfilling appreciation. I intend to explore the contribution a Youth Culture Card could make to encourage that interest and I would welcome the views of Deputies in that regard.
64. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport in view of the increased and growing population of west Wicklow, if he will advise on development of sports facilities for west Wicklow, in particular a swimming pool for Blessington and the sports centre for Baltinglass (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52573/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
The LSSIF was established under the National Sports Policy to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the CSFF. The scheme is aimed primarily at National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Authorities; it is also open to other bodies but such applications would necessarily have to be made and prioritised by a Local Authority and/or a NGB.
Wicklow County Council applied under the 2024 round of LSSIF for funding towards the ‘Blessington Swimming Pool’ project. However, the Council did not provide the required title documentation. The Department wrote to the Council seeking the title documentation; this was not received however and, as a result, the project was not eligible for LSSIF funding. As set out in the LSSIF guidelines all LSSIF grantees must provide proof of title in order to be eligible for LSSIF funding.
In assessing applications under the 2024 round of LSSIF, consideration was given to factors such as socio-economic disadvantage and population growth in the relevant areas. The evaluation guidelines and scoring matrix are available on my Department’s website: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/campaigns/large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/
The cumulative investment under the LSSIF since 2020 is now €297 million across 68 projects. Of this, a total of €2.23 million in LSSIF funding has been awarded to Wicklow-based projects. €1.79 million was allocated to Wicklow Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre to upgrade to the swimming pool facilities and this project is yet to commence. €436,032 was allocated to Charlesland Athletics Track for replacement of the athletics track and this work is now complete.
The LSSIF is currently closed to applications. With regard to a future round of the LSSIF, I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide. My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024, and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round. The timing will also be considered in the context of the determining the detailed spending allocations within my Department under the National Development Plan as recently agreed by Government.
The CSFF is the primary means of providing Government funding to sport and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. In the 2023 round of CSFF over €7 million was allocated to sporting projects in Wicklow. In line with previous rounds of the programme, a review of the current funding round will be undertaken and that review will inform the timing of the next round of the CSFF. However, I would anticipate that the next round should be announced in 2026.
65. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1329 of 29 July 2025; for an update on the procurement of a cell-based public warning system for use during emergencies; the engagement his Department has had to date with the Department of Defence and the Office of Emergency Planning in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51827/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2023, Ireland put in place a mobile SMS-based emergency public warning system, via S.I 583 of 2023, as required under Article 110 of the EU Electronic Communications Code Directive. This system enables mobile phone operators to send texts to the public on behalf of the Government during an emergency.
Last year, my Department engaged the services of an Analysys Mason led advisory team to provide technical advice for the procurement of a cell broadcast public warning system that will replace the current SMS system. This new system will allow for localised alerting based on network mast location and is not impacted by network capacity, congestion or SMS character limits. Pending Government decision, it is intended that procurement of the new system will begin in 2025.
Officials in my Department regularly engage with the Office of Emergency Planning in the Department of Defence regarding the public warning system, among other matters.
66. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will outline the steps his Department is taking, in conjunction with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, to support the reactivation of the nightclub sector; if he will address the sharp decline in the number of operating nightclubs from 522 in 2000 to just 83 today; if he will consider measures around licensing hours, insurance, and running costs, to help revitalise the night-time economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52426/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraReform of the licensing laws is a matter for Minister of Justice who has the overall responsibility for this reform.
The Report of the Night-Time Economy published in 2021, is a Cross-Government Report containing 36 actions across a broad range of issues associated with the Night-Time Economy, such as safety, licensing, transport, planning and regulation, all with the aim of increasing the diversity of events, increasing cultural opportunities and encouraging innovation in the Night-Time Economy.
The electronic music and night-club sector is an integral part of the Night-Time Economy and our culture and it is important that we protect and sustain it. The Department is aware that the number of night-clubs and late night venues has been reducing over the last number of years.
It is recognised that one of the issues faced by nightclubs in proximity to residential areas is that of noise management. On that basis, my Department allocated €2 million in capital funding in 2023 towards the Noise Mitigation Grant Scheme, which enabled late-night venue owners to get a full, professional acoustic assessment of their venue and implement noise mitigation measures. The aim of this scheme was to better control and reduce sound emissions, especially in those areas where there is a potential impact on residents, while still allowing a vibrant night-time economy to thrive.
The Report of the Night-Time Economy and the associated actions are monitored by an Implementation Group, which is chaired by my Department and includes representatives from the NTA, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Fáilte Ireland, Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána. This group meets regularly to review progress and ensures that the report remains current. I recently met with the national Implementation Group for the Night-Time Economy to hear at first hand from stakeholders across Government about their priorities and how best we can continue to work together to improve the quality of Night-Time activity across the country.
The Department will continue work with other Departments and Agencies to examine further opportunities to develop and sustain a vibrant, diverse and inclusive night-life across the country.
67. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the cost to date of running the basic income for artists scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52244/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact. I announced an extension of six months to February 2026 to allow for further assessment of the pilot data and to engage in stakeholder consultation to provide an evidence base for Government to make decisions on next steps.
Consultation is ongoing including a Consultative Committee which draws from across Government. I launched an online public consultation which closed on 5 September, over 17,000 submissions received, of which 97% were in favour of BIA being continued. A sectoral stakeholder forum also took place on 10 September with around 200 attendees from both resource organisations and artists represented.
The cost of Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot scheme is €35m for a full calendar year for 2,000 artists to participate, with each recipient receiving €325 a week for the duration of the scheme. The cost of the 6-month extension is €16.7m to February 2026.
The outturn each year has been as follows (to nearest €,000):
|
Year |
€ Amount |
|
2022 |
€11,373,000 |
|
2023 |
€34,508,000 |
|
2024 |
€34,344,000 |
|
2025 to-date |
€25,962,000 |
The total expenditure varies due to natural attrition of participants and as administration and other costs fluctuate e.g. external research costs. There are currently 1962 participants on the scheme.
I recently published the findings of an independent cost-benefit analysis (CBA) paper. It shows that the BIA produced over €100m in social and economic benefits. For every €1 invested in the pilot society received a return of €1.39. It also finds that recipients’ arts-related income increased by over €500 per month on average. Audience engagement with the arts generated an estimated €16.9 million in social value over the three pilot years.
The CBA finds the real net fiscal cost of the BIA pilot to be just under €72m over the three years compared with the gross cost of €105m, due to returns in the form of tax revenues of €36m and €6.5m savings in social protection payments.
No decisions on a successor scheme have yet been made. A Government decision will be required on a successor scheme to the pilot, and I intend to bring forward proposals for a permanent intervention in after Budget 2026 discussions, subject to funding being made available.
68. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the work of the night-time economy adviser; if consideration is being given to expanding the role or appointing regional night-time economy co-ordinators; the means by which the Department intends to support the development of a vibrant and safe night-time economy nationwide; if he will indicate a timeline for when such an expansion might be resourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52425/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Night-Time Economy Advisor initiative was established on a pilot basis in support of Action 19 in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce. These pilot projects remain a key element in my Department's support for the night-time economy nationwide. My Department has provided funding for a two-year full-time Night-Time Advisor in each of the nine selected locations and I have previously confirmed funding for these posts until September 2026. I have also put in place a significant funding package with seed funding of €50k per Advisor (€75k for Dublin).
As part of their ongoing efforts to drive and support a vibrant and sustainable night-time economy in their local areas, the Night-Time Advisors have been engaging with the local community, stakeholders and businesses and each has delivered a plan for their specific location. In addition, the Department engages with them regularly and supports their development. They also work collaboratively on larger projects which have included a late night transport campaign in partnership with the National Transport Authority, and a late night safety campaign.
At the end of 2024, Communiqué International was appointed to conduct a full review of the nine Night-Time pilots, to look critically at the structures involved in supporting the Night-Time Advisors, the visibility and impact of each in their respective areas, and make recommendations about the future roll-out of the initiative.
I understand that the review has now concluded, and I look forward to reviewing its findings and, in consultation with key stakeholders including the local authorities, mapping out the path forward for this valuable initiative.
In addition, my Department has launched a number of grant schemes and initiatives towards the development of a safe, inclusive and diverse Night-Time Economy right across the country, since the publication of the Report of the Night-Time Economy in 2021. This year I launched a €500k Grassroots Music Venue Support Scheme, which supports independent established music venues in our towns and cities across the country. I have previously stated that I will consider another phase of this Scheme as part of this year's budgetary process.
The Report and the associated actions are monitored by an Implementation Group, which is chaired by my Department and includes representatives from Department of Justice, the NTA and An Garda Síochána amongst others. This group meets regularly to review progress and ensures that the report remains current.
A Night-Time Economy safety initiative called “Safe & Sound” recently launched and is designed to make nightlife safer and more inclusive. The Night-Time Economy pilot locations have free 12-month access to this practical training which focuses on enhancing the safety of both customers and workers by equipping staff with the tools to identify vulnerable individuals and prevent harm.
Through the work of the Implementation Group and the Department's own Night-Time Economy Unit, I look forward to continuing the engagement with colleagues across Government and agencies to deliver the action emerging from the taskforce report with the ambition to ensure a vibrant and safe night-time environment for all.
69. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the roll-out of high-speed fibre broadband to communities across the Galway East constituency; and the expected timeline for full coverage in the area. [52333/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) are connecting over 4,400 homes each month.
In the Deputy’s own county of Galway, over 26,890 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and 29,592 are available to order/pre-order, with over 10,000 premises now connected. A further 10,779 premises in Galway will be passed by NBI’s high speed fibre broadband by the end of the contract.
The NBI rollout is split into 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) across Ireland and not limited to municipal districts due to network design.
The rollout in Galway East includes the DAs of Galway, Athenry, Feakle, Duniry, Banagher, Ballinasloe, Newbridge, Castlerea, Barnaderg, Gurteen and Loughrea all of which are available to order / pre-order.
Network build is in progress for Ballinrobe DA, which has an anticipated date of connection of April to June 2026. Network build is in progress for the Belclare, Cloonfad and Claremorris DAs which have an anticipated date of completion of July 2026 to December 2026.
The latest information on when high-speed broadband will become available can be found on National Broadband Ireland’s (NBI) website at nbi.ie/map/. This website is regularly updated providing the expected timeline for delivery and status of any works that are initiated at any point in time. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
70. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to clarify if any advance notice was given by him or by his Department to potential applicants of the first-come, first-served approach to allocating funding under the grassroots music venues support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52542/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
With the recent announcement of an additional two recipients one in Cork and one in Donegal, a total of 34 venues have now been offered funding under the Night-Time Economy Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme.
The guidelines for the Grassroots Music Venue Support Scheme, published to coincide with the launch in March, included a section on approval procedures which advised that applications would be considered strictly by order of date and time of receipt by the Department and must meet the eligibility criteria and conditions of funding. These guidelines were published on Gov.ie and were available to all potential applicants.
A total of 96 applications were received by my Department. 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.
I understand that there are many disappointed applicants but, as I have already stated, I recognise the value of this Scheme to venues across Ireland and I am committed to considering another phase of this in the future.
72. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his plans to extend the basic income for artists scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51142/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact, which is why I announced an extension of six months to February 2026 to allow for further assessment of the pilot data and to engage in stakeholder consultation to provide the evidence base for Government to make decisions on the next steps.
I have begun to undertake consultations. This has included the convening of a Consultative Committee which draws from across Government and online public consultation closed on 5 September with over 17,000 submissions received 97% of which were in favour of BIA being continued. A sectoral stakeholder forum also took place on 10 September with around 200 artists and arts representative organisations.
The pilot is underpinned by a comprehensive research programme. I recently published a report examining the first 24 months of the scheme which found that BIA recipients, compared to those not in receipt of the BIA:
- are 6 percentage points more likely to have worked in the arts
- spend on average 11 weekly hours more on their creative practice
- are 14 percentage points more likely to have completed new works in the previous six months
- invest more financially in their practice
- are better able to afford basic necessities and have higher life satisfaction
- are 15 percentage points less likely to have felt downhearted or depressed
- are 16 percentage points less likely to have experienced anxiety
A cost-benefit analysis paper has also just been published. It shows that the BIA produced over €100m in social and economic benefits and for every €1 invested in the pilot society received a return of €1.39. It also finds that recipients’ arts-related income increased by over €500 per month on average. Audience engagement with the arts generated an estimated €16.9 million in social value over the three pilot years.
No decisions on a successor scheme have yet been made. A Government decision will be required on a successor scheme to the pilot, and I intend to bring forward proposals for a permanent intervention following Budget 2026, assuming funding for a successor is secured, but I have made it clear that I am in favour of a permanent scheme being put in place.
73. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the means by which he plans to ensure meaningful, ring-fenced and accessible funding for the independent radio sector in budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52581/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government acknowledges that local and national independent broadcasters perform a vital public service and that this should be supported. This is being achieved through a range of Media Schemes, for which local, regional and independent radio stations and broadcasters are eligible to apply.
€6m was provided in Budget 2025 to ensure the continuation of the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes, applications for which recently closed and are currently being assessed.
Two new schemes have been launched this year. €3m is being provided for the Digital Transformation Scheme which was launched in September. It will support media organisations to innovate and transition to the digital information environment.
In addition, the News Reporting Scheme will provide €4m, including a ring-fenced €3m for the commercial radio sector, to support public service content that is under-provided for or at risk of under-provision. This Scheme will provide an important avenue of funding in support of the provision of independent and trustworthy news and current affairs content and will assist in promoting a plurality of voices in our media sector.
The aforementioned measures are in addition to the Sound and Vision Scheme operated by Coimisiún na Meán, which provided over €22.7m in 2024 in funding to the production of audiovisual works with almost €1.7m of this going to commercial radio. Over €600,000 has been provided in 2025 to the commercial radio sector through the scheme.
In line with the relevant Programme for Government commitments, Coimisiún na Meán will monitor the impact of each of these schemes, and update them as appropriate, in order to ensure they are accessible to the wider media sector and continue to deliver on intended objectives.
I understand the importance of ensuring our local and regional radio, who are among the most trusted news sources in the country, remain viable and strong and actively contribute to a thriving and diverse media landscape.
The Deputy will appreciate that annual allocations to the Media Fund are subject to the 2026 Estimates process which will be announced in Budget 2026.
74. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures to be taken to improve on the timelines given by NBI on the roll-out of fibre broadband for the Carriganimmy, Ballingeary and Dunmanway deployment areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52016/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) are connecting over 4,400 homes each month.
In the Deputy’s own county of Cork, over 47,670 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and 51,920 are available to order/pre-order, with circa 16,080 premises now connected. A further 34,330 premises in Cork will be passed by NBI’s high speed fibre broadband by the end of the contract.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cork and can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps/. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
The NBI rollout will include the Dunmanway, Ballingeary and Carriganimmy Deployment Areas (DAs) each with 4,199, 964 and 3,975 premises respectively. Network build is in progress for all three of the DAs with an anticipated connection timeframes of July 2026 – December 2026.
NBI has stated the route of the network rollout is not based on cost or an economic model. Instead, it is based on an engineering design that allows NBI to get to every premises as quickly as possible, working within the confines of how fibre networks are built and utilising existing infrastructure wherever possible.
The latest information on when high-speed broadband will become available can be found on National Broadband Ireland’s (NBI) website at nbi.ie/map/. This website is regularly updated providing the expected timeline for delivery and status of any works that are initiated at any point in time. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
75. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the process by which Monaghan County Council can secure capital funding towards the development of a public swimming pool in Carrickmacross. [52397/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapital support for new swimming pools, and the refurbishment of existing pools, continues to be provided by my Department through the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), which to date has allocated €28.9 million to 9 swimming pool projects.
The LSSIF is aimed primarily at local authorities and National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs). The 2024 round of the LSSIF was also open to other bodies, such as sports clubs, voluntary organisations, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and third level institutions to apply with applications to be submitted and prioritised by a local authority and/or an NGB. All local authorities and NGBs were asked to engage constructively with any such requests from outside bodies to ensure all potential projects, which best achieve the Fund’s objectives, would get due consideration. The LSSIF did not receive an application for funding for a swimming pool at Carrickmacross.
All project applications were subject to the Evaluation Procedures and Guidelines published on the Department’s website. The full marking scheme and assessment process for “LSSIF 2018 and LSSIF 2024” was approved by the then Ministers with allocations published on the Department’s website prior to the assessment work commencing. I would encourage any prospective applicants to review the scheme guidelines and key priorities included as part of the 2024 round of LSSIF as part of their preparatory process for a future LSSIF round. These documents are readily accessible on my Department's website. It is important to note that while these resources can serve as a helpful reference, any new guidelines and conditions associated with a future round of the programme may differ from those previously published.
With regard to a future round of the LSSIF, I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide. The Programme for Government commits to maintaining sports funding to get more people participating in all levels of sport, particularly targeting cohorts in society where there are lower than average participation levels including people with disabilities and older people.
Currently, the LSSIF is closed to applications and my focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024; this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round. The timing will also be considered in the context of the spending allocations within my Department under the National Development Plan as recently agreed by Government.
