Co Wexford council backs plans for new theatre roof

Theatre management plan to replace the asbestos roof with a fibre cement roof of similar colour and associated works. This follows an appeal made through this newspaper by then board chairperson, Sean Reidy, last September, for urgent works on the roof. Mr Reidy said at the time that the theatre could be forced to close unless over €200,000 in funding is provided for a new roof.

“St Michael’s Theatre is owned by the parish of St Mary and St Michael, but is effectively in public ownership due to the nature of the lease that the board of St Michael’s Theatre have been generously given by the parish.”

He said the 300-seater venue is suitable for public investment.

Speaking at the April New Ross Municipal District meeting, area manager Alan Fitzhenry said: “Following an Expression Of Interest process, the New Ross Municipal District were delighted to support St Michael’s Theatre recently in their application under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme – Project Development Measure 2024.”One of only two applications allowed for County Wexford under the scheme, the application was submitted on April 8 with the full backing of Wexford County Council. “The application seeks to develop a number of key areas in the theatre, including a new roof,” said Mr Fitzhenry.