Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys TD, said: "I am particularly delighted that proposals to redevelop the old courthouse in Newbliss so that further residential space can be provided for artists are nearing completion. This is an issue I have worked closely on with the Tyrone Guthrie Centre and Monaghan County Council. I want to acknowledge the work of my colleague, Minister Madigan, who fully recognises the value of this project from both a heritage and artistic perspective.
"Bringing the historic Courthouse building back into use will provide the Tyrone Guthrie Centre with additional accommodation for artists and it will also have knock-on economic benefits for Newbliss in terms of attracting people into the village. This is exactly the sort of transformative project the Government wants to see happening in our rural towns and villages."
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The new plans are being discussed following the opening of new facilities at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Annaghmakerrig.
An investment of over €300,000 by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is funding the development of a number of new facilities at the workplace and retreat for creative artists. The centre's kitchen has been upgraded to better cater for residents and staff.
The centre's dance studio has been upgraded and a new rehearsal space provided. This investment will facilitate more collaborative forms of theatre and performance. It will also allow the centre to cater for groups working with special needs and targeted audiences including groups with disabilities and impaired vision.
Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan TD commented: "These greatly needed enhancements to the centre's facilities will allow it to expand the very valuable work it undertakes. It is great to see first-hand the value that this investment will bring to the artists and staff who use the centre."
(CM/MH)
