Funding boost for new Comhaltas centre

THE Tulla Comhaltas Cultural Centre moves a step closer to reality this week with the announcement that the Cnoc na Gaoithe project has secured LEADER and private funding for phase one of its development project.
The entire project, which aims to transform the Sisters of Mercy Convent and School in Tulla into a cultural centre with auditorium, library and archive facilities, will cost in the region of €2 million.
However, on Monday the cultural centre project committee was informed that it had secured funding of €150,000 from LEADER, meeting 75% of the cost for phase one.
There was further good news when the committee was also informed that a UK-based organisation that supports educational and environmental projects in Britain and in Ireland was to provide the 25% matching funding.
Breda McNamara chairperson of the local committee said the secured funding will go towards the construction works for phase one. However, further local funding will still be needed to ensure the building can be fitted out and become functional by the completion of phase one in June 2012.
The cultural centre committee obtained planning permission last month and on Monday night was informed the Clare Local Development Company had sanctioned €150,000 in funding to the project under the Leader Rural Development programme. Matching funding has also been sourced following an approach by the Jackson Foundation.
Ms McNamara explained that from the outset, the committee decided to undertake the project on a phased basis to ensure they could meet the financial targets required for each section of the development without burdening the community unduly.
This week’s announcement of funding will mean phase one of the development can commence early in 2012. The works in this phase include the reroofing the convent building, replacement of windows and doors and the fit-out of section one of the building. It is hoped contractors will be appointed in the near future and it is expected phase one will be fully operational by June 2012.
Initial works will see the development of the archive room, teaching spaces, library, kitchen area and meeting rooms, which will then be available for use by the community next summer.
Ms McNamara stated that phase two of the development can begin independently of phase one so that activities can continue as normal in the first section of the building, while works begin on the second section.
Speaking following the announcement of funding, Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú said, “This is exceptionally good news for a project I believe will be a major cultural and
tourism amenity for Tulla and County Clare. Cnoc na Gaoithe will join a network of Comhaltas cultural centres, which cover the whole island and will give a huge boost to the promotion of our cultural tradition.”
Breda McNamara, said, “This project has been blessed with good will and good luck from the very beginning, from the initial generous donation of the buildings by the Sisters of Mercy and the wonderful support from our local parish priest Fr Martin O’Brien and the parish council. We are very grateful to the people of Tulla for their support of this project, which will form a focal point in the town and will be a huge asset to Comhaltas and the local community, providing much-needed facilities, which will be available to all.”
With a total cost of €2m required to bring the development to full completion, the committee are continuing their fundraising drive and have organised a Christmas concert in Tulla Church for this December 27 at 7.30pm.
Sean Keane, Galway, best known for such songs as Home away from Home and Isle of Hope will be performing along with the Ennis Gospel Choir. He will also be joined by singer and concertina player Ann Kirranne Droney from Belharbour.
World-renowned fiddle player Martin Hayes will also make a guest appearance along with sean-nós dancer, Emma O’Sullivan, Mark Donnellan and local Tulla Comhaltas musicians.
Tickets are available from Tulla Post Office and Pharmacy, from Custy’s of Ennis and also online at www.custysmusic.com.