Fine Gael TD, Martin Heydon for Kildare South has today (Monday) said that funding of €1m for the Riverbanks Arts Centre in Newbridge will be a game changer for the arts centre and allow it to expand its facilities in Newbridge. The funding was confirmed by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD this morning.

“This a huge announcement for Newbridge and the entire County with its flagship theatre and arts centre getting an allocation of €1m, one of the largest allocations in the Country out of the total €9m fund.  This funding will allow the Riverbank to expand and improve its facilities in Newbridge as phase 1 of a major re-development to improve accessibility for all.

“This allocation will allow for a full refurbishment of the theatre which will bring improved and increased seating in the theatre as well as increasing the size and depth of the stage.  The theatre has been expanding its range of productions and attracting larger touring groups in recent years.  These improvements will allow it to continue that growth and bring leading shows to a wider Kildare audience.

The Minister made the announcement as part of the Creative Ireland programme, with funding provided under her Department’s Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018. A total of 56 cultural organisations will benefit from this capital investment, including theatres, heritage centres, galleries, archives, integrated arts centres, artist studios and creative and performance spaces.

“The impressive Riverbank application was backed by Kildare County Council who are very supportive of the project and will also be funding some of the redevelopment.  I will continue to engage with and assist Linda Geraghty and her team at the Riverbank as they proceed with their impressive plans for re-development.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR

Summary of overall national allocations below:

A total of 56 cultural organisations will benefit from this €9m capital investment, including theatres, heritage centres, galleries, archives, integrated arts centres, artist studios and creative and performance spaces.

Seven flagship projects will receive substantial funding allocations:

Solstice Meath Arts Centre – €300,000
The Irish Arial Creation Centre (home of Fidget Feet) – €350,000
The Hunt Museum, Limerick – €400,000
The Hawk’s Well Theatre in Sligo – €550,000
Cavan Town Hall Theatre – €750,000
The Riverbank Arts Centre, Kildare – €1,000,000
Wexford Arts Centre – €1,000,000

A further 49 projects will receive funding ranging from €20,000 to €276,000.