The long awaited new theatre in Ballina got the go ahead to move to the tender stage this week, Ballina Town Council Mayor Michelle Mulherin revealed to the Mayo Advertiser yesterday. “The county manager has given the go ahead to let the project go ahead to the tender stage this week,” she said. “The tender documents have been prepared and will be advertised next week.”
Mulherin was keen to praise the efforts of all those involved in the process of getting the new 240 seat theatre to this stage. “Great credit must go to all those who have been involved in the fundraising for this very worthwhile project which will be a huge benefit to the town and surrounding areas. Thanks must also be given to the likes of town manger Paddy Mahon, county manager Des Mahon, and officials such as Kevin Keegan and Noel Burke.”
The theatre will cost an estimated €5 million, with Ballina Town Council having given €1.6 million to the project, the Ballina Electoral Area of Mayo County Council €1.5 million, and the Government a grant of €1.2 million. A local contribution of around €500,000 will have to be raised to complete the project and Mulherin is confident that that will be raised by the town. “This facility will be of a great benefit to the town and everyone in the area, since the old town hall theatre closed there has been no proper home for the arts in the town and I’m confident that the local contribution can be met by the people,” she added.
