Council Statement - March 2009
Statement on ACCESS II funding for Tullamore Arts Centre
Following the announcement of grant aid of €2m from the Department of Arts Sports and Tourism in April 2007, Offaly County Council has looked at many ways in which this fund could be best utilised.
The grant award was a third of what was requested, however we realise that the grant can be towards 70% of costs, thereby giving us some flexibility as to what we can achieve. Therefore we have extensively looked at options, such as the development in conjunction with the library and other potential ‘public private’ partnerships around the town.
However, given the current fiscal situation nationally and locally, we are now in an extremely difficult position financially to progress with this project. Development contributions are down and the capital and revenue costs needed to develop and sustain an arts centre will be very difficult to achieve over the next couple of years. We note the excellent examples of community partnership with the Local Authority such as that shown by Tullamore Indoor Swimming Pool Committee and Birr Stage Guild in the provision and management of leisure, recreation and cultural facilities in the county to date.
We have requested a meeting with the Department of Arts Sports and Tourism to discuss flexibility with the grant and with the development.
We acknowledge the public concern on the funding and welcome positive proposals from the community, as to what role they can play in progressing the development of an arts centre.
Presented to the members of