Prime theatre starved of State funding
KERRY'S biggest theatre is getting no support from the state despite hosting a busy programme of community theatre all year round, according to its chairman.
Ballybunion's Tínteán Theatre, the fifth-biggest theatre in Ireland, receives zero funding from the Arts Council and has been forced to rely on voluntary staff to keep it up and running in recent years. Despite this it maintains a vibrant programme of community-based theatre, according to Chairman Mícheál Carr (pictured right).
Speaking this week as the Tínteán applied for retention of planning permission for phase two of the ambitious development — the building of the planned Tínteán Academy for the Performing Arts — Mr Carr said it is vital that the theatre receive government support.
"Other theatres in north Kerry receive €500,000 from the Arts Council in funding per year between them. We have 100 more seats than these theatres combined yet receive nothing from the state. Not a cent in taxpayers' money has been used towards the Tínteán since we opened in 2005.
"Phase two, the academy, is essential to the long-term vision of the Tínteán and we decided to apply to retain our planning this week to keep that vision alive for another five years or so. It would see a purpose-built academy complete with dance studios, recording studios and rehearsal rooms being built and would attract students of Irish traditional music and dance from all around the world. It is absolutely huge today, from the US to Australia and the Tínteán would bring students to north Kerry from all over the world," he said.
"Unfortunately, without the support of the State things are much more difficult than they are for other theatres. We now rely on a volunteer staff and on a North and East Kerry Together scheme which provides two workers. We have calculated that the hours in volunteer work here equate to €700,000 of a payroll in the year so we are blessed we have such fantastic support locally," he said.
- DÓNAL NOLAN
