Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins has described the announcement of €196,857 for Garter Lane under the under Stream B of the Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022 as a very significant investment in the Cultural Quarter and one which will go a long way to assisting with the renovation of number 5 O’Connell Street (Barker House). The building requires significant work to enable the space to be made safe and to reverse much of the damage which it has encountered over many years so it to be brought back into productive use by the arts community in Waterford.
Senator Cummins who has been assisting Garter Lane Arts Centre with this particular application said “I am absolutely delighted with this mornings announcement. It has taken a great deal of time and effort to get this application over the line, but I know it is going to make a huge difference. The work required to improve Barker House has long been out of reach of Garter Lane and the council, however this grant will enable work to commence on parts of the building to re-invigorate its use and I have no doubt it will impact greatly on the working lives of the many arts workers.
He added “Having sat on the Cultural Quarter steering committee for a number of years, it is absolutely fantastic to see the vision of the project coming together. The vibrancy throughout the quarter in recent weeks has been fantastic and it is vital that we continue to build on the improvements that have been made in the O’Connell Street area.
“Earlier this year, the government announced €27.6 million under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund for 22 separate projects across the wider Cultural Quarter and Viking Triangle areas and it is vital that these projects are progressed by the Local Authority without delay. We have the money in place, and it is important that we see some tangible improvements in early course.
Senator Cummins concluded by saying “We are very fortunate in Waterford to have excellent arts and cultural assets and a highly professional and committed arts community. The passion and dedication they apply to their craft is absolutely outstanding. They have and continue to be, hugely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. That is why government investments like this, which will strengthen the quality spaces we have on offer to our artists are vitally important.