Statement by Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD, Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
The Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD, has today welcomed the delivery of investment of a €3m annual fund for regional arts and cultural centres. The multi annual fund over six years will total €18m of investment, and forms part of the Capital Investment Programme 2016-2021.
“Ireland is renowned across the globe for our creative spirit, and we are rightly proud of our rich cultural and artistic heritage. The annual allocation of €3 million announced in today’s capital expenditure programme will breathe new life into our artistic and cultural expression. This is a fantastic opportunity for regional centres to support these efforts and to reinvigorate their creative output.
“After a period of severe economic recession and difficulty for our creative talent, I am proud that the Labour Party has prioritised investment of culture and the arts in today’s capital expenditure announcement, demonstrating our clear commitment by placing arts and culture at the centre of our economic recovery and our social revival.
“I am also pleased with today’s confirmation that €30.8m will be allocated next year to fund the seven capital projects, our 1916 Rising centenary ‘permanent reminders’. These include the visitor and commemorative centres at the GPO and Moore Street, the restoration of Richmond Barracks and the new Tenement Museum on Henrietta Street.
“I am certain that this investment in regional arts and cultural centres, along with our Easter Rising permanent reminders, will be enjoyed and cherished by all. As we commemorate Easter 1916, we can pay tribute to those who had such love for our rich Irish cultural and artistic heritage by investing in its future.”