Question to Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Ms. Heather Humphreys, T.D.)
To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on the funding allocated to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Rising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. – Jerry Buttimer.
For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 18th November, 2014.
REPLY
I can confirm to the Deputy that I secured an amount of €4 million in the Budget for 2015 to allow for the roll out of an integrated plan focused on commemorating the centenary of the 1916 Rising.
This is in addition to the capital provision of €22 million that will be allocated in 2015 to a number of flagship projects, including the development of a permanent exhibition space and interpretative centre at the GPO; the renovation of Kilmainham Courthouse to enhance the visitor experience at Kilmainham Gaol; the provision of a permanent visitor facility at Cathal Brugha Barracks for the Military Service Pensions Archive; the development of visitor facilities at Teach an Phiarsaigh, Ros Muc; renovation works at Richmond Barracks; the development of a Tenement Museum in Dublin; and the restoration of the Kevin Barry rooms in the National Concert Hall.
It is my intention to allocate the current provision of €4 million in a manner that will help support a wide range of activities and events by interested groups, including local community groups, as well as the arts and education sectors.