Tullamore Community Arts Centre Ltd realises ambition to develop landmark Esker Arts

Tullamore Community Arts Centre Ltd (TCAC) has presented a cheque for €50,000 to Offaly County Council, marking the completion of its €500,000 fundraising commitment towards the development of Esker Arts Centre.

The handover, which took place on Monday last, represents the final instalment of the €500,000 funds raised by TCAC in support of this landmark project.

Established in 2009, Tullamore Community Arts Centre Ltd (TCAC) is a company and registered charity.

From the outset, its ambition was to raise funds to develop a landmark, state of the art arts facility on High Street in Tullamore—one that would act as a catalyst for artistic, community, and economic development while encouraging broad participation in the arts.

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Through the dedication of its Board and the sustained support of local businesses and the local community, this vision has been successfully realised. Today, Esker Arts stands as a dynamic centre for creativity, cultural learning and community engagement in the heart of Tullamore.

Des Doyle, Chairperson of TCAC, in addressing the Council Meeting noted that “throughout the entire fundraising effort, we received just one refusal, which speaks volumes about the level of support for this project. We approached many people and, together, we ultimately reached our target of €500,000—an incredible achievement. I firmly believe that without the Councillors in this Chamber pledging their support for the project from the outset, this would never have happened. For that, we are eternally grateful. This was a true example of teamwork—between the people, the elected members, and the executive of Offaly County Council. We supported one another every step of the way, and as a result, Esker Arts Centre will be here for generations to come.”

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Each member of the Council took the opportunity to congratulate and thank the committee for their fundraising efforts, acknowledging the remarkable achievement and expressing appreciation for a state of the art arts centre that sets a benchmark for future projects across the county.

In response Cathaoirleach, Cllr. John Leahy said “I want to commend Tullamore Community Arts Centre Ltd. for raising an incredible amount of funding in support of Esker Arts Centre. It was important to invite the committee members back into the Chamber to formally recognise and acknowledge the dedication and commitment that made this achievement possible.”

The Cathaoirleach extended Offaly County Council’s gratitude to Des Doyle and other members of the company Declan Kirrane, Dominic Doheny, John Flanagan, Colin Hughes, Danny Owens, Niall Sweeney and others and all who have contributed to and supported the fundraising efforts.