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Minister of State Mansergh Welcomes RIBA Award Win For OPW



22nd May 2009    


PRESS RELEASE

MANSERGH WELCOMES RIBA AWARD WIN FOR OPW


Dr. Martin Mansergh, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and the Arts, today welcomed the announcement that the Office of Public Works has won a prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) award for the design of Wexford Opera House.

Speaking about the announcement Dr. Mansergh said “this is a tremendous honour for the Office of Public Works in association with Keith Williams Architects to receive such a prestigious award for the design of this marvellous new building which has again become the cultural focal point of the town of Wexford and, in many ways, of operatic life in this country.  I would like to pay particular tribute to OPW Architectural Services and to the other sections within the OPW who worked tirelessly on this project, often under the most extreme time constraints.  Their vision and their dedication to providing a state of the art cultural venue for the town of Wexford has been realised fully.  Winning this award automatically shortlists the OPW and Keith Williams Architects for the premier UK architectural award, the Stirling Prize and I wish them success in this competition.”

The Minister continued “My wife and I have been Friends of the Festival for a number of years, had the great pleasure of attending a number of performances at the new Wexford Opera House last year and can testify, at first hand, to the wonderful facilities that now exist.  The fact that some of the world’s finest operatic talent has already performed at the venue is proof positive that the experience is equally rewarding for both performers and patrons alike .  I wish Wexford Festival Opera continued success in their award winning new building and we look forward to attending the Festival this Autumn.”

 
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· For further information contact George Moir, OPW Press Officer, (01) 647 6128 or  (087) 231 4537.