Day 12

The big action today had nothing at all to do with the election campaign. It was the important next step in the provision of a theatre in Trim.

This is a dream shared by many groups and individuals in Trim for many years now.

This story illustrates for everyone the importance of persistence, diplomacy, tact and having people with some influence working for your cause.

Former St Patrick's National School, High St

The story started some years ago with the sale of the Town Hall and the furore that it caused. No one wanted to see it go until a suitable replacement was secured.

A committee was formed to raised funds and to lobby for the theatre. The new Sports, Social & Leisure facility would not be suitable - a home was required by the Musical Society, Duchas, Drama and the Scurloughstown Olympiad groups.

At the signing of the sale of the St Patrick's National School, High St Trim

Quietly in the background talks took place with the Town Council, County Council, developers & the groups mentioned above. I was involved in many of these but the one person who worked hardest on this personally, as a councillor, and on my behalf was Jimmy Fegan.
He enlisted and got good support at appropriate times from his councillor colleagues in the area.

A commitment was secured some years ago from developers which would facilitate the provision of a site or a contribution to a building. The site most talked about was the Swimming Pool site. Some time ago, as d-day approached for final approval for the Sport, Social & Leisure Centre it became clear that the Swimming Pool site would be needed for the funding package for that centre.

The site at St. Patrick's Church of Ireland school seen as a possible alternative location , some time ago came back into the picture.

More talks, more consultations with Tom Dowling, Kevin Stewart and others to confirm the Council's commitment to the theatre before agreement was given to the Swimming Pool site sale.

And yesterday, the auction of the old school which saw the Council purchase the building and site to bring the dream of the theatre that step closer.

Well done to all concerned and many thanks to all involved.