Library Gallery Space Set for Transformation

Clare Champion, Friday, 18th January 2008

The de Valera Library gallery space is set to be transformed with plans to modify the listed building getting the go-ahead from Ennis Town Council. Part of the works to the inside of the property will include the removal of the current mezzanine structure, improving the gallery space. Plans include the construction of a new glazed porch, internal modifications and set down parking bay and other associated site works

Siobhan Mulcahy, Arts Officer with Clare County Council, welcomed the decision of the planning authority saying, "The county Arts Office is delighted to have been awarded planning permission to carry out planned works to significantly improve the gallery space at the de Valera Library. This space is used constantly throughout the year by a wide variety of artists and community groups and we believe that the changes will augment this beautiful building and improve the galleries flexibility to show a variety of exhibitions of different media".

The development was made possible following the allocation of a capital grant from the Arts Council for €100,000 which will be matched by the Arts Office.

In granting permission, Ennis Town Council stated that the proposed development is subject to compliance with conditions set out by the planning authority "will not injure the amenity of the area, will be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and is in the interest of proper planning and sustainable development".

Conservation Officer with the planning department, Risteard Ua Crónin, stated during the planning process that the Conservation Office did not object to the proposals. He stated the office was "satisfied that the proposed development is appropriate and will not significantly alter the fabric or character of the protected structure. The provision of granite setts to the front will provide a high quality and attractive approach".

In tandem with the re-development, the Arts Office is inviting expressions of interest for exhibitions for its 2008/2009 gallery programme. Artists interested in exhibiting should send a CV, statement of interest / basic proposal outline, up to six images of their work and preferred dates to arts@clarelibrary.ie or by post to Gallery at deValera Library Ennis, The Arts Office, County Library, Mill Road, Ennis, Co. Clare. The closing date for proposals is Friday, February 15th, 2008.

The de Valera public library and gallery first opened in 1975. The building comprises of the library proper and the Gallery, which is situated in what was once a Presbyterian Church. This Church was built in 1856 at a cost of £600. The library proper stands on a site once occupied by an old Church of Ireland hall built in 1890.

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