'Left behind' Laois needs 'targeted' culture and heritage funds

More public money needs to be spent on 'underfunded' arts and heritage of Laois which has been 'left behind' in funding decisions, a TD has told the Minister who controls the purse strings.

Fine Gael TD Willie Aird raised the issue in the Dáil with  Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan who flagged a change of approach and admitted that Government spending can be 'Dublin-centric'.

The Portlaoise-based TD asked: "What plans does the Minister have to invest in cultural infrastructure in rural counties such as Co Laois?"

He explained further.

"These are counties with vibrant local artists and heritage buildings that would benefit greatly from targeted support... Co Laois, like many others, has a wealth of artistic talent and historic buildings, which too often are underused and underfunded," he declared.

He painted a picture in the Dáil for Minister O'Donovan.

"Laois has a proud cultural identity, rich in music, literature, theatre, visual arts and storytelling. It has produced many artists and continues to support new generations through festivals, exhibitions and community-led initiatives. Towns such as Portlaoise, Rathdowney, Mountmellick, Portarlington, Mountrath and Stradbally all have active community groups that are crying out for adequate spaces in which to perform, rehearse, exhibit and collaborate.

"The EU just transition fund currently supports innovative projects to promote economic, social and environmental sustainability in the midlands. This is very welcome, but if we are to support the long-term development of the midlands, we must also invest in our cultural heritage assets.

"This includes infrastructure that celebrates the unique character and history of the region. For example, this could be done through the development of county museums or even a dedicated midlands museum. Such initiatives would generate tourism and employment and provide an opportunity to share the diverse story of Laois and the wider midlands region, from ancient chieftains to achievements in science and aviation," said the Laois TD. 

He argued that rural Ireland deserves "more than recognition" when it comes to culture and heritage spending. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Enjoying the Old Fort Quarter Festival in Portlaoise. Pic: Alf Harvey

"There is still a significant urban-rural divide when it comes to capital investment in cultural infrastructure. Too often, counties like Laois are left behind," he insisted.

Minister O'Donovan said there have been significant increases in support for arts and culture across the country, including in County Laois, in recent years. He said Budget 2025 provided record funding of €140 million for the Arts Council. Additionally, he said a network of cultural infrastructure, such as Dunamaise Art Centre in Portlaoise, with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. However, he accepted the need to spread funding around Ireland.

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"The national cultural institutions are very Dublin-centric. Between the library, the concert hall and the gallery, pretty much all of them are based in Dublin, with the exception of the Crawford Gallery (in Cork). I am very conscious of the fact that a person should have access to facilities that promote and encourage our cultural and artistic development regardless of where he or she lives, whether that is in counties Laois, Galway, Sligo or wherever," he said.

The Minister concluded that the Government is anxious to make "significant progress" over the next five budgets.