An Píobaire Newsletter
Editorial
In December 2005 a number of events led to a decision by the
board of Na Píobairí Uilleann to close the premises at 15 Henrietta Street for
use by the public until essential health and safety related works were
undertaken. Subsequent to that decision, we met with Dublin City Council and
requested that they release a matching grant of €330,000 to assist us in funding
the essential works. I am pleased to report that we have been successful in that
regard. In total we have €630,000 available for the work which has been agreed
with our architect, and tenders are now being issued.
I expect that it will take several months to complete the work
after the contracts have been signed. Therefore, I do not expect us to be in a
position to allow public access until early 2007. That we have to take this
action is disappointing; however it is in the best interests of all and, most
importantly, is not jeopardising health and safety.
The support of our worldwide membership continues to be of
utmost importance and we have a number of projects in progress which will be
completed this year. I am pleased to report that our redesigned website is now
available and includes enhancements to aid shopping and membership interfaces.
There is also a new discussion forum and new functionality to facilitate access
to our extensive archive material. This latter is ‘work in progress’ and will be
added to continuously. Please advise us what you think of the new website
In January we were advised that we will receive a revenue grant
of €270,000 from the Arts Council to support our activities in 2006. This
represents a 42% increase on the 2005 grant. I would like to thank the staff and
board of Na Píobairí Uilleann who prepared the 2006 grant submission after
detailed discussion and research and I am looking forward to delivering benefits
to our growing worldwide membership.
As you are aware the staging of the annual Tionól in Dublin in
2006 is a new development for us and I’m happy to confirm that all the details
are now finalised for what will be a great weekend of piping. I look forward to
meeting you all in Dublin on the weekend of May 26th to 28th.
Gay McKeon, Chairman |
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