This article is from page 12 of the 2008-01-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
THE University of Limerick is seek- ing to have the imposition of over €300,000 in levies waived on its new Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.
Last month, Clare County Council gave the university the go-ahead for the centre at Garraun, Clonlara, but imposed a charge of €304,000 in levies towards the provision of pub- lic infrastructure.
However, the university has now appealed the imposition of the con- ditions to An Bord Pleanala.
UL claim that “the development is located on the Clare Campus of the university and deliberately so to celebrate the rich tradition of Clare music and dance through learning, accreditation and research”’.
The university state that it 1s cur- rently seeking to raise over €6mil- lion and the UL foundation is plan- ning to raise this amount in Clare.
Donors have expressed interest in funding the project for its “connec- tion with the deepest roots of Clare culture and for the longevity which universities bring to great tradi- WON ae
The appeal states that the imposi-
tion of development contributions would impede the viability of the project and contradict the spirit and letter of the scheme by applying commercial levies to non-commer- cial voluntary work. The develop- ment 1s not intended for profit or gain, but would be a major contribu- tor to the social and educational life of the campus and the area.
“The project is dependent on volun- tary donations to go ahead. Donors both in the US and at home normally attach a condition to the making of donations that the State should at least match the amount of the private donation.Donors have been persuad- ed to make an exception in this case but the imposition of statutory lev- ies or contributions would dent their gsoodwill.
The building will house the univer- sity’s Irish World Music Academy under Michael O’Suilleabhain and be solely dedicated to education.
The university maintains that it should be exempt from this charge as they are a voluntary organisation and the development is to be used for social, recreational and education purposes and not for profit or gain
A decision is due on the appeal in the new year.