The Irish government’s National Development Plan – a long-term, large-scale scheme of infrastructure spending, which includes a planned investment of €1.13 billion in culture – has been officially welcomed by the Arts Council. “The Plan’s aim is a better quality of life for all,” declared the council in a statement. “The arts have a key role to play in that and we acknowledge the role arts and culture is being given to help develop a balanced society. The Plan emphasizes the Government’s commitment to universal access to arts and cultural facilities. We support the proposal in the Plan for a new ACCESS Programme to aid arts and culture facilities across the country.” “It will be important in the development of arts and culture facilities that annual budgetary resources over the course of the Plan are sufficient to ensure there is programming possible for venues throughout the country. The Arts Council’s objective is for annual funding for the arts to reach €100 million in 2008 to enable touring and other initiatives throughout the country.” For more information, CLICK HERE For more on Ireland's National Development Plan 2007-2013, CLICK HERE