A €250,000 contract has been awarded to commence refurbishment of the old museum at the De Valera Library in Ennis, Co Clare.

The dedicated exhibition venue is being developed by Clare County Council in an effort to address the ongoing lack of suitable gallery space in the region.

Mayor Tony Mulcahy said: "One of the County Council's objectives is to promote access to the arts and to encourage more people to participate in the arts. It is essential to ensure that proper facilities are in place."

He continued: "The development of the new gallery is an exciting development for the county and indeed nationally."

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Bernadette Kinsella, the council's Director of Services, said: "The refurbishment work will ensure that a top quality exhibition space and centre of excellence is provided in the county."

This project is being funded through grant aid from the Arts Council, the Department of the Environment and through the county council.

The historical nature of the protected structure has been acknowledged in the design of the exhibition venue, which was developed by the Clare County Council Architectural Services team in conjunction with P. Coleman & Associates, ODM, John Cuddy & Partners and the Clare County Arts Officer.

The proposed refurbishment was given special consideration to ensure harmony with the existing building aesthetic.

New lighting and humidity control systems, as well as a central multifunction space will enhance the architectural ecclesiastical features and provide quality exhibition space to museum standards.

It is anticipated that the new gallery will be completed in May 2010.

(PR/BMcc)