Kerry County Council (KCC) is to buy Teach Siamsa na Carraige in Ballydavid for quarter of a million euro (€250,000).
The centre in the West Kerry Gaeltacht was one of the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, Siamsa Tíre's two ‘Tithe Siamsa’ training centres in Kerry.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary announced today that the council would buy the centre for use as a multi-purpose Irish language arts centre.
The announcement has been welcomed by Minister Norma Foley, Deputy Michael Cahill, Senator Mike Kennelly. and Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae.
Teach Siamsa na Carraige was built at the old post office in Ballylusky in the 1970s, but hasn’t been used for the past 20 years.
In May 2024, Siamsa Tíre’s board announced that Teach Siamsa na Carrige would be sold as part of plans to restructure its operations following financial difficulties.
The full purchase price of €250,000 is being provided under the 2025 Building or Land Acquisition Measure of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
This measure allows for the purchase of vacant or derelict buildings to provide multi-purpose community spaces that will attract more people to live, work, and invest in rural towns.
The department says the local community will now work with Kerry County Council on plans to renovate the building and return it as an Irish language community-led arts centre.
