College to house performing arts

MUNGRET College on the outskirts of Limerick, which closed its doors to students more than 30 years ago, has danced its way back into education.

After a €1.8 million investment programme, it is now the new home for the Irish Academy of Performing Arts.

Educational support services expert Declan Carey, the driver behind the project at Mungret College, said: “The Irish Academy of Performing Arts in partnership with the European Academy of Music have now established a new Centre of Artistic Excellence at the college. This brings Mungret back to a centre of education, since the College closed 31 years ago.

“The Richard Harris Hall has been renovated to its former glory and accommodates performances of music, drama and dance, affording the modern day artist the comforts essential for optimal delivery.”

A total of 50 part-time courses will be offered, covering music and performance, art, language, stage and drama, dance, beauty therapy and leisure. The new centre will boast 12,000 square feet of specifically designed facilities.