Frustrations growing over Arts Centre delay

Frustrations are growing at the lack of progress on the new community arts centre planned for Tullamore.

Although the then government approved a capital grant of €2m for the project as far back as 2007, work still hasn't started, much to the dismay of the local fundraising committee.

In a statement issued to the Offaly Independent, the Tullamore Community Arts Centre Fundraising Committee, which has raised almost €200,000, said that it's worried that the cost of constructing the facility on a site at Kinnity Plaza will be greater than the €3m originally estimated.

“The original budget was €3m, comprising of €2m from central government funds, €400,000 from Offaly County Council, €200,000 from locally sourced fundraising, plus bridging finance to cover VAT outlay which will be recovered.

“The tender prices received for the original design came in considerably over budget, the designs were revised and new costings sought, which while lower, remain over budget.”

With the project currently at a standstill, the fundraising committee have decided to launch an awareness campaign in time for the next general elections.

“The people of Tullamore have fulfilled their part of the bargain and raised €180,000 to date, with the remaining €20,000 to follow as agreed. Our TDs, councillors, and council and department official ultimately make the decisions. We need Tullamore Community Arts Centre to be an election issue.

“Tullamore is the only county capital with a dedicated centre for the arts, and over the last 10 years much work has been done to make this happen.”

The chairman of the fundraising committee, Paddy Fenning, says that he and his colleagues didn't expect the project to take so long.

“Locals are now comparing the arts centre project to the swimming pool saga. The Tullamore people have been supportive and continue to be so patient.”