Funding Announcement April 2007
Minister O’Donoghue announces €2 million in funding for Tullamore Arts Centre
Tuesday, April 24th, 2007.
John O’Donoghue, T.D., Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, has today allocated €2 million in funding for the Tullamore Library and Arts Centre through the ACCESS II Scheme.
Minister O’Donoghue announced funding of €32 million to the promoters of 67 projects nationwide under the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme II (ACCESS II 2007 - 2009). The ACCESS scheme is designed to assist the provision of high standard arts and culture infrastructure, thereby enhancing access to the arts throughout the country.
Making the announcement, Minister O’Donoghue said: “I am delighted to announce this substantial amount of funding for arts facilities throughout Ireland. The ACCESS scheme has been recognised widely as a significant intervention in the provision of high quality arts and culture infrastructure around the country”.
A total of 155 applications were received under the scheme. Funding of the order of €200 million was sought.
Applications were made under two different strands - new facilities and refurbishment or enhancement of existing arts and culture facilities. The projects were assessed by an Independent Selection Committee, which made recommendations to the Minister. The Minister hopes that the scheme will lead to greater participation in the arts with a greater number of facilities being provided on a broad geographic basis. It is expected that the scheme will also result in the creation of direct and indirect employment in the arts and in the local economies.
The Minister said: “The main focus of ACCESS II is the refurbishment and enhancement of existing facilities. Two thirds of the funds have been earmarked for that purpose. I have allocated a third of the funding for the creation of new facilities. It has always been my firm belief that access to the arts, for all our citizens, must be facilitated and this funding is vital in that regard. We are at an inflexion point in arts funding in Ireland and never before have we had this gilted opportunity to bequest to our people a necklace of arts infrastructure worthy of a cultured state”.
While the intention of the new scheme is to prioritise the enhancement and maintenance of existing facilities, there will also be provision under the terms of the scheme to support new build projects. 70% of the funds available under the scheme will be directed towards the enhancement and/or refurbishment of existing facilities, with 30% available for new facilities. Projects supported include the provision of integrated art centers, theatres and studio space and the refurbishment of existing performance spaces.
The Minister concluded by stating: “This announcement provides clear and unambiguous evidence of the Government’s continuing commitment to the development of arts facilities around the country. Furthermore, the National Development Plan 2007-2013 provides funding of ?81 million for the ACCESS scheme. I believe that this funding will provide a significant impetus to the arts sector and allow existing facilities to continue to provide high quality venues and programming for the citizens of Ireland”.
This round of the scheme will lead to the total investment of over €121 million over four years into arts capital infrastructure taking into account matching funding being provided by project promoters.
Minister Cowen Announces €2 Million in Funding for new Library/Arts Centre in Tullamore
Mr Brian Cowen T.D., Minister for Finance, has welcomed the news today that his colleague, Mr John O'Donoghue, T.D., Minister for Arts, Sports & Tourism, has approved €2 million funding for the proposed Library and Arts Centre in Tullamore. This sum equals the maximum grant made available as part of the €32 million package announced today.
Minister Cowen warmly welcomed the good news for Tullamore and went on to say, 'This €2 million grant has been approved by Minister O'Donoghue under the ACCESS (Arts and Cultural Enhancement Support Scheme) operated by his Department. This scheme assists in providing high standard arts and culture infrastructure, particularly in the regions and is widely regarded by those in the arts community as being an important component in progressing such centres.
The overall cost of the Tullamore project, which is situated in O'Connor Square, is €20 million, and a sum of €5 million has already been set aside for the development of this much needed project for the town. Further funding sources will also be required as this project proceeds.
I hope that this new Library and Arts Centre, when completed, can encourage and help foster a greater participation in the arts in this area and I believe that Minister O'Donoghue's very significant contribution today is another big step forward in making this centre a reality, the Minister concluded.
O'Donoghue announces €32 million in funding for arts facilities throughout Ireland
http://www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie/publications/release.asp?ID=1955