SOME of the most valuable works of art from both sides of the border will find a temporary home in county Limerick later this year when the National Collection of Art owned by the Office of Public Works and the collection owned by Northern Ireland Department of Finance will go on display in Newcastle West.
The collection of art which normally is on display in Government Departments and State owned buildings, is brought on exhibition to towns north and south of the border every year and is supported jointly by the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive.
Local Fine Gael TD Patrick O’Donovan raised the possibility of the collection coming to Newcastle West with Minister Brian Hayes who agreed to the request during a visit to Newcastle West, where he met with representatives of the local arts committee at the Red Door Gallery.
The timing of the exhibition has yet to be worked out but Deputy O’Donovan said he hoped that the exhibition could take place as soon as possible, and could form a very important part of the cultural and festival calendar of the region. He described it as an important endorsement by the Government of the work of the local arts committee.
Paying tribute to the work done in promoting the arts in Newcastle West, Minister Hayes said he was delighted to be able to announce the decision to have the exhibition in the town.
He also visited the Desmond Banqueting Hall where he officially opened the access from the Castle to South Quay. He encouraged the local community to engage with the OPW and Limerick County Council, to work towards boosting visitor numbers.
He said that the castle was one of the finest of its kind in the country and he complimented everyone involved in its restoration, operation and promotion.
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