The manager of the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone, well known to fans of amateur drama in Ireland, has criticised a board decision to lay off all staff, and has described the move as "a major concern" for artists and patrons in the region.
Fionnuala O'Connell was one of six people made redundant by the board of the theatre yesterday, where the All-Ireland Drama Festival is a major attraction each year.
The six employees were all funded by a Fás social economy programme, but yesterday the board said they had decided at their meeting on Tuesday night not to proceed with the Fás scheme..
They are adamant that the theatre will continue to operate on a part-time basis and say all shows on the schedule will take place. But in an indication of strong disagreements between the board and the staff, Ms O'Connell said: "I am very concerned for the other five staff members and their families currently employed, as this is a very bad time of the year for anyone to be given this news.
"This is also a major concern for the community of Athlone and artists within this community," said Ms O'Connell.
However, the directors, who also issued a statement through chairman Ciarán Temple, said the decision was "made on financial grounds and bears no reflection on the staff. The directors will ensure that business as usual will continue in the theatre".
He added: "Full redundancy obligations will be discharged by the company and the directors wish all members of the staff every success for the future."
The theatre is a popular venue for musicals, concerts, art exhibitions, drama and theatre workshops, and a variety of other arts events in the midlands.
A member of the staff, Andrea Cobban, paid tribute to Ms O'Connell. "I am devastated by the news and to be told that modern technology can take the place of hard-working, dedicated staff is an insult," she said.
"I would like to say that our manager is a professional and it clearly shows in the running of the theatre. She has our support."
Although the theatre sometimes struggles to attract large crowds for events, it is a popular venue for the annual All-Ireland Drama Festival finals for amateur groups from all over the country.