Council queries Ros Tapestry’s need for further €15k funding
COUNCIL officials came in for some criticism at last week’s monthly meeting over an apparent lack of funding being provided for the Ros Tapestry.
Cllr Pat Barden raised the issue, noting that the tapestry was currently part of an international stitching exhibition in Kilkenny Castle.
He noted that the New Ross Group was doing two tapestries, one of which, the threads of friendship, focuses on the Dunbrody Famine ship and the town’s links with America etc. Cllr Barden said that despite the ‘massive potential’ of the project from a tourism point of view, the group behind it were under pressure for funding.
He said that they had put in for €15,000 in funding, but were told this may not be doable due to Covid etc.
‘You’re not factoring in how important this is for New Ross tourism,’ he said. ‘This is the jewel in the crown of New Ross. It seems crazy that we can’t fund this when they are under serious pressure. They have to keep electricity going, keep humidity at certain levels and have the temperatures just right etc. They have around €1,500 left to survive and that’s it. Surely we can spare the €15,000 for this project? It could be huge.’
Director of Services Tony Larkin said: ‘I wouldn’t want the message going out there that we’re not supportive of the Ros Tapestry. We’ve provided around €50,000 in funding over the last few years. The tapestry was moved to Kilkenny and it will move into the Wexfordia Centre on the quay when it comes back. I suppose the question we asked over the funding was why there was the need for another €15,000 when there are currently no exhibition costs and there’s no stitching currently going on due to Covid. It’s a sensible question on why the money is needed. I must be honest and say, I’m not seeing the crisis here, but I will enter into dialogue with the councillor and we’ll see can we find a way forward on it.’