Public Works Junior Minister Martin Mansergh has officially opened the newly refurbished exhibition studios Custom House in Westport, County Mayo.

Dr Mansergh described the workspace as the "very cornerstone" of visual arts provision.

"Artists need space to work, space to create the art we enjoy in our galleries.

"Custom House Studios now offers exactly this, with its additional exhibition space, improved office space, extra facilities for artists working in studio, and a new common space to facilitate the exchange of information and relaxed socialising."

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Dr Mansergh said the new studios arose out of a very clear need for a visual arts space in the west.

"Local artists, working closely with a supportive town council and an engaged local community, took the initiative, and realised a shared ambition: to provide the time and space every visual artist needs."

He said: "The recent refurbishment, is an investment that shows a continuing commitment to the original founding vision. This refurbishment is a landmark in the continued development of this organisation, one that will benefit both artists and audiences."

(PR/JM)