Arts Council increase ‘will be put to very good use’

THE Arts Council was the big winner in the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism’s spending plans, as minister John O’Donoghue paraded a 19% increase in the council’s budget, giving it €72 million to spend next year.

Arts Council director Mary Cloake said the extra money was “a major vote of confidence” in the arts community and a recognition of the contribution the arts made to Irish society.

“The funds will be put to very good use,” she said.