Fine Gael TD for Wicklow/ East Carlow, Andrew Doyle has encouraged Wicklow arts centres to apply for funding under a new €9 million investment scheme for arts and culture centres announced by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys.
“This welcome new investment scheme for not-for-profit arts and culture centres is part of the Government’s Capital Investment Framework 2016-2021.
“The scheme will run over the next three years and is focussed on upgrading the existing stock of arts and cultural centres around the country. I strongly encourage Wicklow arts and culture centres to apply for funding under the scheme. Full details of the application process will be available at http://www.ahg.gov.ie/ in the coming weeks.
“Local arts and culture centres make a hugely significant contribution to local communities. They contribute in a really meaningful way to the quality of life of local people and they are also great for encouraging tourism to Wicklow
“This new fund will help the centres to refurbish and enhance their facilities, with maximum grants of €300,000 for this purpose. A smaller number of key facilities could also be eligible to apply for funding of approximately €1 million for significant improvements. Ideally these projects would also have financial support from the relevant local authority. Smaller grants of up to €20,000 will also be available for community or voluntary organisations operating in facilities which have not been purpose built.
“This Government is committed to supporting the arts and cultural sector here in Wicklow and across the country.
“Fine Gael has a long term economic plan to keep the keep the recovery going which will allow for these kinds of investments to take place. The plan has three steps: more and better jobs, making work pay more than welfare, and investment in better public services, which will only be possible as a result of the increased revenue generated by creating more jobs. This plan will ensure that more people feel the benefits of a recovering economy in their own lives.”
