Irish Film Board Awarded €23 Million

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Séamus Brennan T.D. has unveiled details of the comprehensive Arts and Culture Plan 2008 that commits additional funding of €40m for arts and culture infrastructure projects countrywide.
The Plan has been drawn up by Minister Brennan and his Department following several months of involvement in a consultation process across all aspects of the arts, culture and creative sectors in Ireland.
The extensive Plan outlines for the first time the total investment in arts, culture, and film in 2008, new and additional funding in specific areas, progress on the major capital projects being undertaken or completed, details of commemorative programmes, exhibitions and a range of other initiatives being supported.
There will be a total investment in arts and culture in 2008 of almost €245 million and includes an overall funding package of more than €82 million for the Arts Council, over €23 million to the Irish Film Board and almost €24 million for major Cultural Institutions projects. (Full details of funding allocations attached)
An additional investment of €40 million is announced for the next phase of the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Scheme, or ACCESS, which is targeted at improved access to and participation in the arts, culture and creativity across the country, through providing funding for the building and refurbishment of arts facilities.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Brennan said: "Overall it must be acknowledged that the arts and culture sectors in this country are of central importance, not only to the cultural development and status of Ireland, but also in contributing to the economic and social progress of the country.
"The challenge for all of us is to build on the progress that has been made in this area and to identify new and imaginative routes that will open up more and more opportunities to involve those who, for whatever reason, may feel excluded."
The Plan outlines the number of major cultural infrastructure projects that will be completed in 2008, including the new Wexford Opera House, the extension to the Gate Theatre, refurbishment of the Druid Theatre in Galway, an extension to the National Gallery, new headquarters for the Irish Chamber Orchestra in Limerick and the further expansion of the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann network of centers to promote Irish traditional music and dance.
(DS)