An Taibhdhearc must be refurbished and re-opened as it is “ludicrous” for Galway, which is seeking official status as the Bi-lingual Capital of Ireland, to have the National Irish Theatre closed for three years.
This is the view of Independent councillor Catherine Connolly, who was speaking following a presentation to the Galway City Council’s Corporate Policy Group by a delegation from An Taibhdhearc on Monday.
An Taibhdhearc, the national Irish language theatre has long been a significant presence in the local and national theatre scene since the 1920s, until the fire which very badly damaged the building in 2007, has left it without a home.
The theatre has valiantly continued on, staging plays, concerts, and events in various locations throughout the city. However it must rent locations and this is costing An Taibhdhearc €50,000 rent per year.
The need to restore the theatre on Middle Street has become pressing and a delegation called on the city council to help at the CPC meeting.
The majority of the councillors were in favour of allocating money while the Labour councillors and Cllr Connolly have pledged their support for refurbishing the theatre.
“That An Taibhdhearc have managed to keep up such a rate of work/productions without a venue is testimony to their commitment and hard work,” said Cllr Connolly. “Having to play €50,000 rent a year is an absolute waste of taxpayers’ money. It would make a lot more sense to have the Taibhdhearc itself refurbished as a matter of urgency.”
Labour councillor Derek Nolan said: “An Taibhdhearc is the National Irish language theatre but has a cultural history entwined with Galway city. It is a focal point for the Irish language and has showcased and nurtured some of Ireland and Galway’s best know playwrights. The Taibhdhearc redevelopment simply must go ahead.”
An Taibhdhearc has been informed that €300,000 will be provided by the Government, which then must be matched by the city council. However she said it was “ludicrous” that the Government is asking “a cash starved city council” to provide matching funding.
“If this Government is seriously interested in keeping the Irish language alive and committed to a 20 year strategy to promote and preserve Irish it is vital it provides more than €300,000 to refurbish the Irish National Theatre,” she said.
Cllr Nolan said the project is “far too important to falter because of financing” and he said Labour would work with other parties to find the necessary funds in this year’s council budget.
“We will look at every combination of figures to secure the necessary funds,” he said. “The Irish language is worth some €136 million to Galway annually. The venue itself will further support and develop our cultural industries. In Labour’s view, the cultural and economic case is clear.”
It was decided at the CPC meeting that city manager Joe MacGrath will write to the An Taibhdhearc board of directors seeking clarification on a number of issues, including the submission of a business plan, and confirmation in writing that the money from the Government is still available.
Following clarification on these and other issues the Taibhdhearc will be invited to make a further presentation to the CPC.
