The first steps towards the conversion of the Aras an Mhuilinn building in Mullingar into a regional centre for Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann took place on Tuesday this week, when contracts for the refurbishment project were signed with Bam Builders.
This project, when complete, will be a state-of-the-art cultural facility, which will cater for the counties of Westmeath, Longford, Offaly, and Laois. The centre has been acquired by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann on a 99-year lease basis from Westmeath County Council.
Aras an Mhuilinn, at Mount Street, Mullingar, will serve as a regional centre which will provide traditional music and dance classes, as well as other traditional cultural activities. Its facilities will also be available for community groups.
Also included in the plans is a regional archive centre. Anyone who has any material, such as records, tapes, or CDs of traditional music, that they consider to be of a historic nature is asked to contact any board member or An Reachtaire Aodháin Ó Muimhneacháin. The new centre will also incorporate a display area for the sale of CDs of traditional music and other items representing traditional culture.
Chairman of the board of Aras an Mhuilinn, Senator Camillus Glynn, says he is delighted that the contracts have been signed. “It is indeed a historic occasion, given that Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann was founded in Mullingar in 1951 on the same street where the Comhaltas centre will be established,” said Senator Glynn.
He added that board members are particularly pleased that this facility will operate in this location, adjacent to Westmeath County Council’s civic offices and Mullingar Arts Centre, with whom it hopes to enjoy a close working relationship.
The signing of the documents with Bam Builders Ltd of Kill, Co Kildare took place in the Greville Arms Hotel on Tuesday evening, and was attended by Michael Gillen and Pat Walsh of Bam Builders.
Ard-stiurthoir of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú, was also in attendance for the signing of the contracts, and for the board meeting following the signing, when a lengthy debate took place regarding the potential use of the centre.
Senator Ó Murchú paid tribute to the chairman and members of the board, the local branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, and also to members of Meitheal an Mhuilinn, who were instrumental in acquiring the centre.
Members of the board include chairman Senator Camillus Glynn, Matt Nolan, Tom Kiernan, Colman Ó Muimhneacháin, Mícheál Ó Treasaigh, Margaret Ryan, Monica Byrne, Paddy Duffy, Tom Burke, and PJ Phelan.
The project will be completed by early May 2010 when the building will be handed over to the board. In the meantime, board members are busy compiling activities for the centre.
