Minister visits new Mayo centre of performing arts

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring has today visited a new centre for the performing arts nearing completion in Castlebar.

The building, located at unit 19 of the Breaffy Road Business Park in the town, is expected to open before the end of the year.

Behind the initiative is the Mayo Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA), an organisation closely associated with the Mayo Concert Orchestra, Castlebar Concert Band, Mayo Male Voice Choir and Mayo Youth Orchestra.

While it will be used by those groups and others under the auspices of Music West, the facility is open to other bands, choirs, music and drama collaborations in the wider community.

The centre, which incorporates practice and education rooms with specialist acoustic facilities, has been financially supported to date by South Mayo Leader Development Company, Mayo County Council and monies raised by MAPA.

Minister Ring, who was accompanied by local Fine Gael Councillor Ger Deere, said he was very impressed by the building works carried out to date by Michael Duane Contractors.

He looked forward to it being fully completed later this year and making a return visit.

Minister Ring said the development of the arts, culture and music, particularly among young people, was a central component of government policy and he congratulated MAPA on its achievements to date.

During his visit, he received a presentation from members of the MAPA board on plans to complete the project over the coming weeks.