ENNIS’ Market Building has been ruled out as a location for potential outdoor events by glór, as its walls means it does not meet standards set out by Fáilte Ireland as an outdoor space.
However, the covered market building is being considered as a possible site for planned performances by aerial dance company Fidget Feet as well as outdoor live music performances over the summer.
Details of the potential use of the market for hosting outdoor events were released at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District.
Councillor Mark Nestor had requested that Clare County Council in conjunction with glór arrange a series of outdoor concerts, to be held in the Market building at times that would not interfere with trading in the area.
Responding to the motion, Siobhan Mulcahy, Arts Officer, outlined that Clare Arts Office is currently working with Fidget Feet Irish Aerial Dance Company to provide entertainment in Ennis over the summer months.
“If suitable to their needs we will give consideration to the Market Building,” she said.
She continued, “The Arts Office is also operating the Outdoor Live Music Local Performance Scheme countywide, including in Ennis.
“We are currently assessing the applications under this scheme and again, will give due consideration to use of the Market building, subject to public health guidelines and technical requirements of the applicants.”
Orla Flanagan, director of glór, responded stating, “Glór has considered the Market Building for potential outdoor events, but we have had to rule it out as it does not meet the definition issued by Fáilte Ireland of an outdoor space which is very specific, because it has walls, and as far as I understand it is designated an indoor space officially by Council.”
She added that in terms of outdoor activity planned by glór, the arts centre has already staged two drive-in dance performances as part of Lasta Young Curator’s Festival on Sunday, June 12.
The arts centre is also staging a production by the Gate Theatre and Mikel Murfi on a truck in the car park at Glór on July 29 with two performances.
She said that glór will also support Ms Mulcahy and Fidget Feet with their programme in August and later in the year.