One of Ireland's top building contractors has just signed a €20 million deal to build a new academy at the University of Limerick.

McNamara will construct the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance building at the university, which has been designed by French architect Daniel Cordier.

The project has been described as a "unique structure", combining the elements of teaching and performance.

The academy will encompass two performance workshop theatres, named the Tower and Sionna Theatre's

The design for the Tower is influenced by the atrium style. This will stretch from the lower floor to the top of the building, which will be completed by a circular window, pointing to the sky.

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This theatre will incorporate an area for a pipe organ and will be the main venue for vocal performances, with a capacity for around 80 people.

The second theatre space, the Sionna, will be larger of the two. Its design is focused on providing an effective physical space for a musical laboratory and dance floors.

The architect for the design was selected through an international competition, launched in 2004 and work on the building is due to commence immediately.

Founding Director of the Irish World Academy Dr Micheal O Suilleabhain, who is also a Professor of Music at the University, said he was delighted "this elegant building was being constructed by Michael McNamara and Co, whose origins are in County Clare."

"Given that the building is being built on the Co Clare side of the University of Limerick campus, and given the recognition of Clare as the premier county for traditional music and dance in Ireland, I expect jigs and reels to come out of the walls," said the professor.

(PR)