A new concert hall in Balbriggan, is being described as transformational for north county Dublin.
160 jobs are to be created at the Irish Institute of Music and Song by 2023, as part of a major expansion of the body’s campus.
A 400 person concert venue is being unveiled, alongside a boutique hotel, as part of a €12 million investment.
The €12 million is being invested in the construction of the Campus with the creation of 160 jobs when fully operational in Spring 2023. The IIMS school was founded in 2013 and was previously known as The Fingal Academy of Music delivering music courses to over 2000 students weekly.
Once The Lark is completed and opens its doors, planned for March 2023, the IIMS expects to welcome 250,000 visitors per year and will attract music schools and groups from all over the world to learn, collaborate and stay in the seaside Balbriggan campus. In addition, The Lark Concert Hall will also host professional music concerts which will be open to the public.
Taoiseach Michael Martin says: "The reputation of Irish musicians has helped open doors for us abroad, not only in the diplomatic sphere but has also helped pave the way for economic growth and paved the way for Ireland’s exporters to expand their markets. This investment marks a major milestone for Irish music both in Balbriggan and beyond."
A warm welcome to An Taoiseach Micheál Martin to the IIMS. pic.twitter.com/TzspyQQOCt
— Irish Institute of Music and Song (@IIMusicSong) January 14, 2022
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, says: "Putting music, song and creativity at the heart of children’s and young people’s lives and education is vital. That is why I so admire the Irish Institute of Music and Song who are not just teaching music and song but finding creative ways to do it.
"Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, a time of great adversity and need, we all turned to music, song, arts, culture and creativity for not only enjoyment and entertainment, but also for solace. Access to Institutes like this provides young people with the opportunity to build their own artistic and creative capacities and can instil a lifelong appreciation of art and culture, but also supports the development of other skills – skills that are so important in today’s world."
Delighted to be at the launch of the Irish Institute of Music & Song Campus Development, #Balbriggan, which will see
●400-person Concert Hall
●160 jobs by 2023
●over 250k visitors per year from March 2023
Exciting and dynamic plans afoot! #IIMSLaunch pic.twitter.com/LmRmF5G26G— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) January 14, 2022
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