Funding for new theatre may be under threat

THE shadow of the Jeanie Johnston looms over requests for public money for a new theatre in Ballybunion, Co Kerry.

In the wake of its loss-making investment in the ship building project, Kerry County Council is extremely guarded about putting more money into the 520-seat theatre since consultants have raised serious concerns about its future viability.

SWS Corporate Services has told the council to be cautious in providing further support to the venture, saying it was likely the theatre would operate as a loss-maker and would need continued financial support.

The North Kerry Arts, Cultural and Heritage Society, which is spearheading the project, had hoped to receive €335,000 from the council, but county manager Martin Riordan has suggested funding of just €75,000 to €100,000.

A sum of €1.5m has been raised locally by the group which, Mr Riordan said, showed considerable commitment. But he said he had some reservations about the structure and ownership of the theatre.

The matter was deferred to a council meeting next Wednesday to give Mr Riordan an opportunity to meet with the promoters.

Independent councillor Brendan Cronin pointed out that the manager and consultants had issued serious warnings and said the council should proceed with “extreme caution.”

Cllr Cronin was the only councillor to oppose funding for the Jeanie Johnston project on which Kerry County Council and Tralee County Council lost €6m. “It’s a matter for us to ignore or heed the manager’s warning. Warnings were ignored in this chamber in the past,” he said.

The Ballybunion project has gone €700,000 over budget.

A Tintean spokesman said if the council came up with €335,000, they could get funding from the Arts Council and would also be able to attract funding from local sources. It had been planned to open the theatre this summer, but the opening has been deferred.