137. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will consider establishing and funding a dedicated Irish town of culture programme to support local creative initiatives and community-based cultural development in Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16277/26]

Sentiment score: 0.28

Will the Minister consider establishing and funding a dedicated Irish town of culture programme to support towns such as Drogheda and Ardee with strong cultural identities and significant heritage assets? This would be particularly relevant for Drogheda, which has a rich artistic community and a deep historical footprint.

Sentiment score: 0.72

I thank the Minister. I am delighted to hear he is in favour of such a programme. Drogheda is a cultural powerhouse in the north east. It is home to festivals like the Drogheda Arts Festival, the Drogheda classical musical series and the Lú festival. It provides entertainment for locals but it is also a calling card for people from outside Drogheda and County Louth to visit the town. Like many Irish towns that have strong cultural identities, Drogheda tends to fall between the cracks of existing schemes and therefore sustainable funding models are always in short supply. As the Minister is in favour of a town of culture programme, I know he will be well aware that establishing a town of culture would bring benefits beyond the boundaries of the county. It would help employment, increase tourism and deepen our understanding of our culture and heritage.

Sentiment score: 0.54

I tend to agree with the Minister. A few years ago, Drogheda had the fleadh for two years, during which it brought great short-term benefit to the town. I agree with the Minister that this designation would have to develop over a three- or five-year period in order to have a long-lasting impact on the town. Where I may disagree with the Minister is in terms of the competition among local authorities. I advocate having a pilot programme in a pilot town. Obviously, at the top of that list would be Drogheda, followed by Ardee, County Louth.

Sentiment score: 0.22