The Government has approved an additional grant of £1 million towards the cost of developing an International Folk Music Centre in Ennis, Co Clare.
This brings the Government's contribution to £2.5 million, towards the project, which is expected to cost £4.5 million. The local authorities are providing £1.5 million, and the semi-State agency, Shannon Development, is giving £500,000.
Announcing the additional funding, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms Sile de Valera, said: "I was very anxious that the opportunity of developing this major cultural project would be undertaken as soon as possible. It will be of immense benefit to the development of the cultural heritage and the arts locally, nationally and internationally."
The chairman of Ennis Urban District Council, Mr Peter Considine, said the project would create a traditional music facility for which there was a market need. The idea was first suggested by the National Tourism Council in 1992.
Ennis Urban Council has purchased a town-centre site beside the Friars Walk car-park. Public notice has been given inviting submissions to provide architectural and other building services.
The total building area will be approximately 2,000 sq. m. Besides music, the centre will cater for the performing arts and will have an audio-visual room.