Arts group's €125k donation towards Esker Arts Centre cost
Just before Christmas, Tullamore Community Arts Centre Ltd (TCAC) presented a cheque for €125,000 to Offaly County Council, its latest contribution to meeting its pledge of raising €500,000 towards the development of Esker Arts Centre.
This follows on from a presentation of €325,000 in 2023, bringing the total raised to date to €450,000. TCAC anticipates that the remaining €50,000 will be presented in the early stages of this year.
Established in 2009, TCAC is a partnership company and registered charity formed through collaboration between the Tullamore community and Offaly County Council.
It was set up to create a state-of-the-art arts facility on High Street in Tullamore that would help foster widespread participation in the arts.
Esker Arts Centre was officially opened by President Michael D Higgins in June 2023 and serves as a hub for creativity, cultural education, and community engagement.
Speaking at the presentation of the €125,000, Anna Marie Delaney, the outgoing chief executive of Offaly County Council, praised the incredible efforts behind raising such substantial funds locally.
"Esker Arts has brought new life to High Street, especially in the evenings, and has delivered real benefits to local businesses," she said.
"I want to say a huge thanks to you all for your efforts as part of this project. This achievement reflects the strength and determination of the Tullamore community."
Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy commended TCAC Chairperson Desmond Doyle for his leadership.
"Surrounding himself with the right people was key to getting the job done. This is a remarkable example of community-driven success," said Cllr Leahy.
Chairperson Des Doyle acknowledged the scale of the challenge: "The figure we committed to raise was daunting. It was never going to happen through church gate collection - we needed a different approach.
"I learned very early in business the importance of surrounding yourself with good people. These are the people who are here today and who have made this happen. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to them."
Offaly County Council extended its gratitude to Des Doyle and his team - Declan Kirrane, Dominic Doheny, John Flanagan, Colin Hughes, Danny Owens, and Niall Sweeney - as well as to all who have contributed to and supported the fundraising efforts.