An Irish Academy of the Performing Arts (IAPA) to encourage the development of artistic talent was launched yesterday by the Minister for Education and Science, Dr Woods.
Speaking at the first meeting of the IAPA Governing Authority, Dr Woods said: "The establishment of the academy is a clear statement of the Government's commitment to make a major, long term investment in encouraging and supporting the development of Irish artistic talent."
He had every confidence that, through the work of the interim governing authority, they could realise the vision of establishing an institution that would be an international centre of excellence for the performing arts, he said.
The Government approved the establishment of an IAPA at an estimated capital cost of €44 million. It is being funded under the National Development Plan.
The IAPA will initially provide under-graduate and post-graduate training in music, dance and drama. The new academy will incorporate three sections. The headquarters and facilities will be on a site provided on the DCU campus. The existing Irish World Music Centre will be developed at the University of Limerick campus.
An undergraduate professional dance facility will be based at the Institute for Choreography and Dance at Firkin Crane, formerly the Firkin Crane Dance Development Agency.
The new authority will be chaired by Ms Carmel Naughton. One of the first duties of the interim authority will be to make arrangements for the appointment of a President of the IAPA.