Madam, - The Council of the Heads of Music in Higher Education wishes to protest in the strongest possible terms about the Government's delay in concluding the agreement with the preferred bidder to commence work on the new building for the Cork School of Music.
Jarvis plc was appointed preferred bidder for this public-private partnership project in April 2001. An Bord Pleanála rejected An Taisce's objection to the Cork School of Music's old building on Union Quay being demolished to make way for this development just after Christmas 2001, but to date work has not commenced.
Given that this Government decided not to proceed with the Irish Academy for the Performing Arts just before Christmas 2002, it would be an unacceptable expression of its regard for music education in Ireland if approval were not forthcoming for this project very soon. Apart from securing the future of the Cork School of Music, this building must be finished in time for the school to be able to play its role in 2005 when Cork is designated European Capital of Culture - an honour which reflects credit on the whole country, not just Cork. - Yours etc.,
Dr ERIC SWEENEY, Chair, Council of Heads of Music in Higher Education, Tramore, Co Waterford.