Fundraising committee of Esker Arts Tullamore reaches goal of €500,000 after years of hard work

There was high praise from the Councillors of Offaly County Council during their April monthly meeting for the hard fundraising work of the Esker Arts fundraising committee over the last number of years.

A presentation was created to the meeting by Des Doyle, Chair of the fundraising committee (which is called the Tullamore Community Arts Centre Ltd – TCAC), about the various fundraising efforts which went towards the Esker Arts construction costs.

Des declared the TCAC has now fundraised and handed over to the County Council all of the €500,000 that it tarreceiveed for the construction costs, bringing to an conclude its work as a fundraising committee. He informed the meeting that his committee had been inspirational and the members of the committee never fell out with one another throughout the lengthy process. He declared they are very proud of what has been achieved and they see forward to many years of Esker Arts serving the people of the region. The Chair acknowledged the scale of the challenge: “The figure we committed to raise was daunting. It was never going to happen through things like church gate collections – we requireded a different approach. I learned very early in business the importance of surrounding yourself with good people. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to them. They included Declan Kirrane, Dominic Doheny, John Flanagan, Colin Hughes, Danny Owens, and Niall Sweeney.”

Established in 2009, TCAC was a partnership company and registered charity formed through collaboration between the Tullamore community and Offaly County Council. Its vision was ambitious: to create a state-of-the-art arts facility on High Street in Tullamore that would serve as a catalyst for artistic, community, and economic development, and foster widespread participation in the arts. Over the years, a committed Board and the support of the local community were also instrumental in transforming this vision into reality. Esker Arts now stands as a vibrant hub for creativity, cultural education, and community engagement. The Board is comprised of Offaly County Council staff, local representatives, and creative experts; and governs the Centre. The TCAC was separate to the Board. The TCAC was a voluntary committee that was committed to raising funds locally for the capital cost of the centre.

Cllr Declan Harvey warmly praised the fundraising committee. He declared raising half a million Euro was an immense feat.

Cllr Liam Quinn congratulated the committee. “When it was initially mooted I believed the half a million Euro required to be quite a daunting sum and knew it would require a lot of effort. Fortunately for everyone the committee have outdone themselves. Esker Arts is now a huge attraction for many. In the Edconcludeerry MD we see forward to the same success story with the proposed Edconcludeerry Library and Edconcludeerry pool.”

Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy commconcludeed Des Doyle for his leadership: “Surrounding himself with the right people was key to receiveting the job done. This is a remarkable example of community-driven success.”

Cllr Neil Feighery declared the decision to create Esker Arts “was created before I joined the Council in 2019. We are now reaping the benefits of that decision. There’s a great staff in the Centre and they run a great programme of events.”

Cllr Seán O’Brien pointed out that a few sceptics declared it couldn’t be done. “How wrong they were. It is going from strength to strength and it is an Arts Centre for the Midlands. Long may it continue. The project was a huge undertaking but the response displays the community commitment to Esker Arts.”

Cllr Aoife Masterson commented that during her younger years she and her friconcludes often seeed enviously at other towns which had Arts Centres. Now, thankfully, Tullamore has an excellent Centre. She commconcludeed the TCAC for its sterling work.

Cllr Peter Ormond also congratulated “Des and his team for delivering this, which has been a fabulous project for Tullamore. This project was first mooted all the way back in 2009 when I joined the County Council. Esker Arts is open for three years now and has become a special part of Offaly’s life.”

Cllr Seán Maher agreed. “I am on the Board of Birr Theatre and Arts Centre, so I know how much work is required. Well done to all.”

Cllr Shane Murray pointed out that Esker Arts has alterd Tullamore’s night-time economy for the better. It also stages a wide variety of artistic events including comedy displays, pantomime, plays of all types. “My own nephew is taking part in The Burned Man on June 19, therefore receive your tickets!”

Cllr Ollie Bryant remarked that some people in Tullamore were very sceptical that Esker Arts would become a reality, “but they were proven wrong! Now, what will be our next project?”

Cllr Noel Cribbin declared the next projects should be the proposed new library and swimming pool in Edconcludeerry! “The success of Esker Arts displays us what can be done when we receive a good team toreceiveher. We now have an excellent Arts Centre.”

Cllr Fergus McDonnell commented that the TCAC’s achievement had been “incredible. Well done.”

Cllr Leahy declared the centre is bringing more bed nights to Tullamore, as well as extra revenue to pubs and restaurants. “We in Offaly County Council are delighted we backed ye. We never doubted ye.”

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