The artistic and management team at Draiocht, Blanchardstown's new multimedia arts venue is now complete as Janice McAdam has been appointed as development director for the centre. She takes up the position at the end of May, leaving Project Arts Centre, where she has been director of public affairs. Her new role entails making links between Draiocht and the local and national business community. She joins director Teerth Chungh, general manager Helen Chamberlain, visual arts officer Cariss Farrell, outreach officer Emer McGowan, production manager Barry McKinney and head of PR and marketing, Madeline Boughton. Draiocht will be officially opened on Thursday, May 3rd, by the President, Mary McAleese, with an evening of one-off performances.

On the following day, Friday May 4th, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, will open the Tipperary Excel Heritage Centre in Tipperary Town, on the site of a former cinema on Mitchell Street. This five-storey cultural, heritage and entertainment centre with a 360-seat theatre/cinema has been a decade in planning and cost £4.5 million, £2 million of which came from community fundraising, with the remainder from Tipperary County Council, Bord Failte and the Department of Arts and Heritage (£1.3 million). The gala opening of the theatre will be a performance of Jim Nolan's The Salvage Shop. Further information from general manager, Bill Flynn 062-80520, e-mail: info@tipperary-excel.com