Our thoughts after yesterday's Council approval of Part 8

While we are deeply disappointed by the Councilors' decision to vote through the new Part 8 proposal for the THRIVE Cloister redevelopment,  We are not surprised by the outcome.  Despite our best efforts the Council was unwilling to accept any proposal we put to them. This was never just about a building. It was about protecting a shared community asset and honoring the commitments made to artists and the people of Ennis. 

For us, this was never about Tourism versus the Arts; it's about transparency, honesty and questioning how funding designated for arts and community can be appropriated by the Council for what appears now to be an exclusive tourism experience. This campaign was never about stopping progress. As we have said time and time again we never had an issue with a larger tourism offering; we welcomed it. We want Ennis to thrive but only in the best possible way.   

Ennis town may be well known for its traditional music, sporting culture and being the boutique capital of the West, but it is time for the arts community to have its own quarter and its own voice. As a group, moving forward we will hold all elected representatives in Ennis and everyone at the Council accountable.  We may have lost this vote, but rest assured we have not lost our determination to seek accountability and ensure this process is properly examined.  We believe in safeguarding the interests of all of the communities within Ennis not just the arts community. That principle is worth fighting for, and we intend to be vigilant and expect the highest standards from those in power moving forward.  

Moreover, leaving our concerns and questions languishing in an email box or on a desk belonging to the Southern Regional Assembly, which oversees the funding for this project is not good enough.  Their explanation for this is lackluster to say the least: 'the delay was due to senior staff travelling or being on holiday'. We ask that the relevant authorities investigate this, as they are the gatekeepers managing the €7 Million fund.  

As a group, we shouldn't have to imply to Minister James Browne and the SRA that we would escalate our concerns to Director General Petr Clement of OLAF in Europe to get responses. This inaction by all raises its own questions.  

We do have to thank those Councillors who engaged with us, heard our voice and promised to help us establish an arts quarter in Ennis; rest assured we will hold them to that.  This truly has been a fantastic learning curve for us all but it's fair to say we understand the process now and that to us is invaluable on so many levels.  We also have to thank those who have supported us throughout and who will no doubt continue to do so in the future.

Our final thought would be this: never be afraid to raise your voice and ask questions. Never forget that the founders of this nation many of whom laid down their lives for us to have a republic, fought for our right to have a voice.  Also as artists and creative souls it is our responsibility to educate the government, our families, and the public on what we do, sometimes there is a tendency for all and sundry to dismiss our work.  It is time for that to stop and we are the only people who can and should start that conversation, whether at home, in the office or on any level.  We contribute to the economy just like everyone else and more importantly we have a vote that should be used.  

Thank you all again. We will be in contact in the next few weeks with updates and will also try to organize a meeting in the near future.  Stay beautiful.  Stay positive and keep the faith.