No more local fundraising until arts centre work begins

Tullamore Community Arts Centre fundraising committee chairman Paddy Fenning has said this week that no more fundraising will take place for the planned state-of-the-art theatre at Kilroy’s former premises on High Street, Tullamore, until construction work begins on site.

In total, €180,000 has been raised by the committee, with Mr Fenning pledging to raise the final €20,000 once work begins.

A new team of architects, local firm Kenny Lyons, has been selected and a design team put in place for the job, and Mr Fenning said he is pleased with the latest developments that include an auditorium that can accommodate at least 250 people.

Chairman of the arts centre board, Desmond Doyle, said last week that construction on the facility would begin next year, with a view to opening the centre some time in 2019.

“The Kilroys site is a great location and this development will certainly bring life back to that side of the town,” said Mr Fenning. “It’s very good to read that plans are also in place to develop an auditorium to accommodate 250 people,” he explained.

“Performing arts, especially our own Tullamore Musical Society, can only survive if they are performing to larger audiences. So for the Musical Society an auditorium with less than 250 seats would not be a viable proposition,” he continued.

Mr Fenning said the fundraising committee was “acutely aware” of the local communities contribution to their fundraising drives, which saw them mount a mammoth 2000 Club Members Draw fundraising campaign during the height of the recession in 2011.

“We again wish to thank the people of Tullamore and further afield for their understanding and patience in the unforeseen delays over this period of time,” he said. 

Originally plans for facility at Kilbride Park on the Grand Canal were drawn up and ultimately rubbished due to a significant overrun on budget.

Almost €180,000 has been raised to date and Mr Fenning said the final balance of €20,000 will be raised as soon as construction on the site begins in 2018.

“This will bring our total agreed fundraising figure to €200,000, he said, before adding, “We have full confidence in the Board and have no doubt the Community Arts Centre will soon become a reality.”

Offaly County Council purchased the Kilroy’s site for €405,000.