Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
579. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to respond to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); if he is aware of any engagement his Department has had in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37422/26]
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. My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist the development and maintenance of these existing arts and culture facilities. Accordingly, proposals for the development of new publicly funded cultural infrastructure are a matter in the first instance for the local authority.
While the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport provides grants towards maintaining and enhancing existing arts and culture facilities it does not provide funding for the purchase of buildings.
There have been significant increases in support for arts and culture across the country, including Cork City, in recent years. An ambitious redevelopment project is currently underway at the Crawford Art Gallery. Dance Cork Firkin Crane, The Everyman Palace Theatre, Triskel Arts Centre and Cork Arts Theatre are some of the organisations that have been funded from various schemes administered by my Department over the past number of years. Additionally €250k was also allocated to Cork City Council under the Outdoor Public Space Scheme for capital improvements to Elizabeth Fort on Barrack Street, Cork City Centre, to improve its feasibility for use as an outdoor venue for arts & culture events.
