Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
597. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the role of his Department in supporting the implementation of objectives within a report (details supplied) relating to cultural investment and the development of cultural infrastructure in Dublin city; the funding streams or policy supports which are available to assist delivery of these objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14797/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government believes that culture and the arts are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement.
County and city development plans are drawn up by local authorities in accordance with their functions under the Planning and Development Acts. Many of the existing nationwide infrastructure of venues and arts centres were initiated and funded by local authorities.
Accordingly, proposals for the development of new cultural infrastructure are a matter in the first instance for the local authority. Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to this arts and culture infrastructure by local authorities and the Arts Council.
My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist development and to maintain these arts and cultural facilities. In Budget 2026, the Department was allocated €6m for a new programme of capital funding for arts and culture organisations across the country, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. This will see much needed capital supports for communities, including funding essential equipment for organisations such as amateur drama groups and musical societies.
My Department is in the process of designing the specifications of the scheme, including the setting of eligibility criteria.
In addition, in Dublin City, the Department is supporting the redevelopment of the National Cultural Institutions in the city including the National Concert Hall, the National Library, the Abbey Theatre, the Natural History Museum, the National Museum in Kildare Street, the Chester Beatty and the National Gallery. The Department has also supported the works at 11 Parnell Square for Poetry Ireland and the planned development at 15-16 Henrietta Street for Na Píobairí Uilleann and is working closely with the City Council's Art's Office in the delivery of Artists Workspaces as part of the Space to Create programme.
