Ongoing roof leaks at the Tommy Makem Arts & Community Centre in Keady have been branded as “nothing short of disgraceful”.
These were the words of SDLP councillor Thomas O’Hanlon, who has been battling for a resolution to the issue for a number of years.
The issue has been affecting the dance studio and back hall, with defective roofing having caused issues ever since the centre’s opening.
At Monday night’s meeting of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor O’Hanlon asked for a final timeline as to when repair works would be carried out.
He said: “One of our tenants is actually considering leaving the building and that’s not acceptable.
“I understand that there has been a legal process that has been ongoing for quite some time and in terms of mediation and remedial works can I ask can we get an update in due course as to where that is, including a timeline as to when any proposed works may be scheduled.”
The £2.5 million centre was opened in September 2015 by Irish President Michael D. Higgins as a modern, multi-purpose facility which commemorates the life of Irish folk musician Tommy Makem, who passed away in 2007.
The building comprises a spacious, multi-functional hall with additional flexible rooms and spaces available for use by the community, including a studio, an outdoor play area, an exhibition centre and fully equipped kitchens.
Last year, DUP councillor Scott Armstrong described the roof’s condition as “appalling”, claiming that defective roofing has affected the premises from as early as October and November of 2015.
At the time, he welcomed plans for a meeting with ABC Council officials to address these concerns.
Speaking after Monday’s council meeting, councillor O’Hanlon said: “This issue has been going on for a number of years now and it has been going on for far too long. It has been nothing short of disgraceful.
“Some users of the facility have had to cancel events or move locations because the water is literally running through the roof in some areas.”
He added: “I’ve been assured that the plans to have the planned repairs are being finalised and that there should be no disruption to services whilst works are being carried out.
“I hope to have a final timeline in the coming weeks.”
