This article is from page 10 of the 2006-11-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
AN extension to Glór could be on the cards after Ennis Town Council supported a request for the facility to apply for funding.
Government funding to the tune of €1.4 million is being sought by Glór for a 550 sq. metre extension that would include a 200 seat performance area, dressing room, backstage and refreshment facilities.
The extension will also allow for previously redundant foyer space in the main building, to be turned into a gallery.
A €2 million price tag has been put on the development with 70 per cent of the funding sought from the Department of the Arts’ ACCESS funding programme, and the remaining 30 per cent to be got from local authority own resources. If the application is successful, Ennis Town Council will supply funding of €300,000.
In a submission to the council, Glór Director, Katie Verling, outlined the reasons for pursuing the extension.
“Since Glór opened 5 years ago, the board has been conscious of the lack of a middle sized performance space. There has been a demand over the years from community groups, local arts and drama groups and more recently Clare Youth Theatre for a 200 seat Multi-purpose space in which to meet perform and run children’s workshops.
“Glór has built up a strong relationship with community and voluntary groups throughout, Ennis, e.g. Brothers of Charity, Enable Ireland, Irish Refugee Council, Ennis Musical Society, Clare Youth Theatre to name a few. Many find Glór’s main theatre too big and daunting, and would prefer a smaller space.
‘With the announcement of the ACCESS 11 Scheme . . . we were encouraged to apply for an additional 200 seater low-tech durable flexible space. In this hall, the people of Ennis will be able to run meetings, rehearse, attend traditional and folk concerts, run dances and celebrate the many and varied talents of the town,” she said.
Supporting the request, Councillor Peter Considine (FF) said,
“I think we should support it, Glór is one of the flagship entertainment venues in the Mid-West and there is huge demand for facilities of this kind in a town like Ennis”
Councillor Johnny Flynn (FG) praised Glór as being a “fantastic asset to the town”.