This article is from page 9 of the 2011-09-20 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 9 JPG
THE Fleadh may not be coming to Clare but that hasn’t stopped Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann from pressing ahead with plans for a major new performance venue in Tulla.
The group are seeking planning permission to develop a 260-seater performance / multifunctional space at the former Sisters of Mercy Primary School within the curtilage of Tulla Convent, a protected structure.
Comhaltas is seeking permission for the demolition of the existing cloakroom block, cookery room and garden shelter to the rear of the school building.
The development would involved the refurbishment of the building and construction of a two-storey extension of 599sqm to the rear and sides of the existing two-storey building to include a performance/multifunctional space with seating for 260 people, associated toilets, changing rooms, stores, bar, kitchen and reception, a foyer, 2 no. multipurpose rooms and basement plant room.
Comhlatas are seeking a change of use at the building at Chapel Street from educational to performance and community.
The proposed development would also include the provision of a new vehicular and pedestrian entrance from main street, associated signage, provision of 8 no. car parking spaces and 9 no. bicycle spaces, associated landscaping and site boundary treatment.
According to documents lodged with Clare County Council, “The convent, which is no longer in use, was donated to Comhaltas by the Sisters of Mercy.”
The application states, “Tulla Comhaltas branch was founded in 1957 to facilitate the extraordinary amount of music, song and dancing which was taking place. It then hosted the 1958 Co. Fleadh Cheoil.”
In the application Comhaltas highlight a ‘lack of facilities’ as one of the reasons for developing the new venue.
The application states, “For an organisation which celebrated our 50th anniversary four years ago. It is long overdue a home for Tulla Comhaltas. Currently they rent accommodation in St Joseph’s Secondary School, St Moculla’s National School, Tulla courthouse and the backroom of Minogue’s bar.” It continues, “The need a proper forum for teaching and practice and for high quality tourist presentations. They have a huge archival material, recordings, and photographs etc, which are currently stored in boxes in committee mem- ber’s homes. These need to be conserved and made accessible to all.”
The document states, “It is also envisaged that this will be a major tourist facility and an important resource for teaching and researching the distinctive East Clare style as exemplified by performers such as Martin Hayes and Mary McNamara.”
Comhaltas state that by re-developing the building, they hope to “bring life and music and activity back to the now abandoned school building, which educates, entertains and enlightens as it did in the past”.