European ruling raises hopes for Cork School of Music

CORK School of Music looks almost certain to get its new building after a European decision cleared the biggest obstacle to Government funding yesterday.

However, the go-ahead expected next month will still come too late for visitors to enjoy the facilities during Cork’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2005.

A Department of Education spokesperson said last night that no decision would be made until Education Minister Noel Dempsey and his Cabinet colleagues have discussed the latest development.

“The project is still a matter for decision by the Cabinet and there will be no moves on it until they have had a chance to discuss the Eurostat ruling,” she said.

The change to budgetary rules on Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) means the Government can account for the estimated €58 million cost of the building over 25 years. Up to now, the total cost would have to be added to the Government deficit during the two years of construction.

Plans for a new home for Cork School of Music (CSM) were first announced ago by local Fianna Fáil TD Micheál Martin when he was education minister four years ago.

The planning and funding delays have brought Government politicians in Cork under considerable pressure in the past year.

Lessons are being given in a hotel and other unsuitable facilities since 2001, prompting at least one staff member to run in June’s local elections in protest.

Gerry Kelly, a CSM lecturer and campaign leader, said he is ready to stand in the city’s south-east ward, the heart of Mr Martin’s constituency, unless there is good news. But a ‘tour of shame’ to highlight the issue around the world has been put on hold until mid-March.

This follows indications by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern last week of a positive decision before St Patrick’s Day. Government sources have indicated Mr Martin will announce the funding, in an effort to redeem local support for Fianna Fáil ahead of the council poll.

Progressive Democrats education spokesperson Senator John Minihan said any further delay on the issue would be unacceptable, now that the last stumbling block has been removed.

However, even if the go-ahead is given soon, the two years it will take to build mean the school’s doors would not open before summer 2006.

In the meantime, officials from Cork Institute of Technology, CSM, the Department of Education and the private partners, Jarvis, are working to restrict the cost.

The company tendered a €58 million price three years ago, but inflation since then could increase the value of the project.