Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
58. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on the progress of a potential arts capital grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32742/26]
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.
A network of cultural infrastructure exists throughout the country, with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. 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, my 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.
A pilot scheme has been under design in recent months and yesterday I updated Government about progress. Subject to receipt of sanction, the scheme will provide necessary funding to arts and culture facilities for equipment, building upgrades and refurbishment works, along with equipment funding to community and voluntary groups for the purpose of increasing arts/culture participation in communities across the country. I intend to launch the pilot scheme in the coming weeks.
