Donegal Minister has welcomed a new funding scheme to help local authorities open up and create public spaces and facilities dedicated to the arts, culture and festivals.
Up to €250,000 is being made available to each local authority under the Outdoor Public Space Scheme 2021.
The support will allow councils to adapt and improve public spaces for cultural and events activities.
The scheme is set take account of public health guidelines during Covid-19, and of the needs of local arts and entertainment communities.
Minister Charlie McConalogue said: “This announcement is a fulfilment of the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce’s recommendations and in line with the Programme for Government’s commitments on wellbeing.
“Now, more than ever, given the difficulties faced by the arts and culture industry during COVID-19, it is important to support this industry and support our Local Authorities in supporting the industry. This scheme will give Donegal County Council the opportunity to adapt, equip or otherwise improve public spaces for cultural and events activities.”
The scheme will apply for the period of the coronavirus crisis and applications will be accepted throughout.
Local authorities are invited to propose capital projects for outdoor spaces which are flexible, innovative and facilitate year-round use. Ideally projects should respond to the challenges associated with COVID-19 and support the recovery of the creative, cultural, entertainment and events sector as well as being future-proofed from a health and safety perspective