Save the Complex funding
Deputy Ó Snodaigh sought urgent ministerial action to secure funding and avoid eviction of the Complex arts centre in Dublin. The Taoiseach said the finance and culture Ministers were already engaging and that he would follow up with them.
Will the Taoiseach ask the Minister for culture, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, to liaise urgently with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Jack Chambers, to ensure funding can be secured to ensure one of the most versatile and much-needed arts centres in Dublin can be saved from eviction? Government engagement on this matter - saving the Complex - before the notice to quit expires on 14 January could allow moneys from the north inner city task force and Dublin City Council to be leveraged and released so that the vibrant and unique arts studio, jazz rehearsal space, the Cooler, and drama and theatre venue in the city centre can survive and thrive, as there are new studios and arts spaces planned for this centre. The loss of the Complex would be a hammer-blow to arts in the city, which, over the years, have seen many other venues closed and never reopened or replaced.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising an important issue. The Minister, Deputy Jack Chambers, said yesterday that he would engage with the Minister, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, about the issue. I think he has met the owners or those who are running the centre and understands the wide usage, enjoyment and creativity that has taken place there. I will engage again with both Ministers in respect of it.