Manager to bring Arts Centre issue before Council

A meeting in support of the Mullingar Arts Centre (MAC) was to take place in St. Colman’s National School last night to discuss the findings of a report on centre, in which it was recommended that the Board of Management step down.Meanwhile it is believed that the County Manager, Danny McLoughlin, who ordered the report on the MAC has called a meeting of all county councillors for later this month, to discuss the findings of the report. Members of the Board of Management of Mullingar Arts Centre said in advance they would not be attending last night’s meeting, and members of Fine Gael and Labour were also advised not to attend.However in a statement released by the Board of Management this week, it said they have recognised the concerns raised by the recent review of its work commissioned by the Westmeath County Manager.“Several board meetings have already been held and more will follow as we study both the positive and negative issues raised and seek ways to implement all changes and improvements that are possible at the centre,” read the statement.It also went on to say that “It is regrettable that elements of this review so quickly became public without the board’s knowledge or consent, thereby generating unease and concern within the community and inhibiting our ability as a voluntary but deeply committed board to respond creatively and intelligently to its challenges”.Cllr. Ken Glynn who is on the Board said members are continuing to debate the report’s findings, but have made no firm decisions yet.“We haven’t finished deliberating but I am in full support of the Arts Centre and the great work that takes place there. I am one hundred percent behind the management and its staff and I will not allow the Arts Centre to be closed.” down,” commented Cllr. Glynn.