Meath County Council to take over St Vincent De Paul Hall, Kells

Kells Musical and Dramatic Society (KMDS)have appealed for help as they find themselves homeless after 50 years.

The St Vincent de Paul Society has told the Musical Society and the Kells Theatre School that they want vacant possession of the Kells Theatre/St Vincent de Paul Hall and they want the KMDS' equipment moved out of the building.

Meath County Council will be taking over the building, but a major refurbishment is to take place before it will be back in use.

John Grant chairman of KMDS has set up a gofundme page to help with the costs of relocating and securing an alternative premises.

"We are raising funds as we are being forced out of the Kells Theatre (Vincent de Paul Hall) in Kenlis Place by the Society of St Vincent de Paul and we must move immediately. The Society of St Vincent de Paul are divesting themselves of the property and they state that the operation of the hall and the use of it by Kells Musical and Dramatic Society does not form part of the charitable purpose of the Vincent de Paul.

"To this end, we must vacate the theatre after maintaining its upkeep and occupying the hall for 50 years," he said.

Mr Grant said that throughout the course of their residency in the hall, they have staged various pantos, musicals, plays, variety shows and provided vital equipment to users such as lighting, sound, stage props and backdrops - all for local school productions, travelling shows of all kinds, public meetings and fundraising. They have provided stewarding and staff for other productions and events.

"The cost of moving all of our equipment - which is everything in the theatre - and to provide containers and housing for the equipment, along with the cost of moving the containers, finding alternative rehearsals space and a place to stage all our future shows, will cost more money than we can afford at present.

"We provide great, top-class entertainment for the town and surrounding areas. We especially encourage children, teenagers and adults to join all our productions and give them a chance to actively be a part of our shows.

"We are appealing to the public and other groups and organisations to support our GoFundMe to keep the Kells Musical and Dramatic Society active in Kells and all surrounding areas, " he said.

In a joint statement Cllr Sean Drew and Cllr Sarah Reilly thanked Kells Musical and Dramatic Society for engaging with them regarding the St Vincent de Paul Hall.

"Some months ago KMDS highlighted St Vincent de Paul’s intention to divest themselves of our theatre. Since becoming aware of St Vincent de Paul’s intentions we have engaged with the Council, asking that they ensure the future of the building for community use.

"We have also asked that they explore potential funding opportunities to deliver an enhanced facility amenity for our town and the surrounding area,” they said.

A spokesperson for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) said the society is extremely disappointed that the KMDS used the term "forced out”

"KMDS has been aware for some years that the future use of the hall has been under discussion as its ownership by SVP does not meet with the Society's charitable status.

"SVP has been in discussion with Meath County Council (MCC) to arrange that the Council acquire the hall.

"The objective of SVP is to ensure that the hall is available to the wider community in Kells and the surrounding area. MCC will take vacant possession of the premises as part of the Kells Town Restoration Project, refurbish it and have it available for a widest possible use for the people of Kells.

"An engineer's report commissioned by the MCC has found a number of fire safety issues that need to be addressed. This will require that the building be taken out of use for a period while refurbishment work is carried out.

"This change of ownership of Kells Hall will not impact in any way on the SVP visitation or other supports which it continues to provide to the community in Kells and throughout County Meath.

"Whether or not KMDS return to Kells Hall, SVP wishes it every success in the future."