Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has officially opened the Luan Gallery, in Athlone, Co Westmeath.

Luan Gallery is the first purpose built and modern visual gallery to be opened in the country in over three years. The refurbishment and extension, costing in excess of €3m commenced in 2010 with the assistance of capital funding of €650,000 from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s Access 11 scheme, €1.45m from the Border Midland & Western Regional Assembly and the balance provided by Athlone Town Council.

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Speaking at the official opening, Minister Deenihan said: "Over the years this historic building has served the people of Athlone and beyond in a number of ways since it was built in 1897 as a Temperance Hall. It has served as a cinema, a library and also as the Town Hall and has been the venue for many concerts and theatrical performances. It was here that one of Athlone's most famous sons Count John McCormack gave some of his earliest concert performances. This stunningly designed gallery will serve to display the great wealth of artistic talent at national and international level and will allow the artists involved an opportunity to showcase their work. It will bring art closer to the local community."

(CD)