O'Donoghue's aid to arts centres 'justified'

THE major recipient of €1.1 million in grants, announced by Arts, Sport and Tourism Minister John O'Donoghue for two arts centres in his Kerry South constituency, yesterday claimed the grant was absolutely justified.

Tech Amergin, a community education centre in Waterville, is to receive €870,000 and the Carnegie Arts Centre, Kenmare, €230,000.

The announcements are the latest in a long list of 'goodies' for which Mr O'Donoghue has taken credit, including a controversial €550,000 in National Lottery funding for a boathouse for Killorglin Rowing Club.