This article is from page 31 of the 2007-08-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 31 JPG
AFTER years of campaigning by the Lisdoonvarna Failte committee, final approval for almost €1.5 million in government funding for the Lisdoon- varna Community Centre was an- nounced last week.
The funding, which was granted by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, will go towards the restora- tion of the community centre includ- ing the refurbishment of the town’s historic Park Pavilion Theatre.
The theatre, which was built in 1913, played host to countless shows over the decades and helped spawn a theatrical tradition in the area, which survives to today through the Burren
Players.
At the turn of the 19th century Lisdoonvarna was a flourishing spa town and tourist destination. The Pavilion Theatre played a major role in the development of the country’s only active spa town.
“T am delighted that the facility is shortly to be renovated and refur- bished. It is essential that this land- mark in the early development of tourism in rural Ireland is preserved for future generations,’ said Tony Killeen TD, and Minister for Labour PaVar.ubny
‘The announcement by the Depart- ment of Arts, Sport and Tourism rep- resents the final approval of funds, which have been sought by members
of the local community since 2001.
Apart from the local sports com- plex, there is no formal community centre in Lisdoonvarna. ‘Therefore, the provision of funding underlines the significance of developing a thea- tre and community centre.”
The Park Pavilion Theatre will form part of the overall plans to develop comprehensive public facilities in the town. Tony Killeen added, “I have spoken with the Chairperson of Lis- doonvarna Failte, Joe Garrihy, who has informed me that the develop- ment will complement existing plans to establish a children’s playground, community sports field and athletics sports track and a community creche catering for up to 50 children. It is
anticipated that these much-needed facilities will be completed by early summer 2008.”
The North Clare Sports and Amen- ity Park project has already been ap- proved €2.5m by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Depart- ment of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Depart- ment of Health and Children, and Clare County Council.
Developments have been progress- ing since the sod was turned on the North Clare Amenity Park in May. When finished the project will in- clude a community sports field and track, town hall pavilion, community creche and community playground.