Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Tipperary arts strategy is clear about the importance of the Craft Granary in representing craft-making not only for Cahir but the south east. It was one of the only dedicated facilities in the ownership of a local authority whose mandate was crafts promotion. We have Róisín Treacy and Mr. Maher, as well as other creative people. We need this focal point. As such there is an obligation on the local authority and the Department to ensure its activities collaborate with enterprise support agencies, council, regional bodies, higher education institutions, training bodies and the private sector to protect the future viability of the Craft Granary. There has been a clear lack of ambition in ensuring this happens. There is little point in developing glossy tourism strategies if we cannot protect the excellent resources we already have. The Craft Granary building has been in use since 1809. It is vital, therefore, that we not only protect the existing jobs there but the building's important historical legacy.

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