GOVERNMENT Ministers north and south of the border have given their backing to plans to open a new £1.5 million cultural hub in Armagh city centre.
Several Irish language and cultural organisations based in the city have joined forces to create the new social enterprise named Aonach Mhacha.
The main purpose of the project is to build a modern Irish language and traditional arts centre for the people living within the Armagh City and District Council area.
A number of locations – including the Mall (PICTURED) – are being looked at for the development, which would, when completed, create in the region of a dozen jobs.
Irish Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Donnachadh Mac Fhionnlaoich TD and Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín have met in Armagh to discuss the project with a group of cultural entrepreneurs. Both were impressed with the advanced state of planning for the new project and promised that they would support the proposed development in every practical way they could.
Aonach Mhacha chairman, Réamonn Ó Ciaráin, said: “There is a momentum and enthusiasm behind the Aonach Mhacha project which will carry it through to fruition and it is wonderful to welcome both Ministers to hear about our exciting plans to build a new home for the Irish language and our cultural heritage in the ancient city of Armagh.”
