Roof leaks at Tommy Makem Centre in Keady described as ‘nothing short of a disgrace’ – Armagh I

The ongoing roof leaks at the Tommy Makem Arts & Community Centre in Keady have been described as “nothing short of a disgrace”.

These were the words of SDLP councillor Thomas O’Hanlon, who has been fighting for a solution to the problem for years.

The problem affects the dance studio and the rear hall. A damaged roof has been causing problems since the center opened.

At the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon ​​​​Church Council meeting on Monday evening, Councillor O’Hanlon asked for a final timetable for when the repair work would be carried out.

He said: “One of our tenants is actually considering leaving the building and that is not acceptable.

“As far as I know, legal proceedings have been ongoing for some time. As far as the arbitration and the remediation work are concerned, may I ask that we receive an update on the current status in due course, including a timetable for when the planned work can be scheduled.”

The £2.5 million centre was opened in September 2015 by Irish President Michael D. Higgins as a modern, multi-purpose facility commemorating the life of Irish folk musician Tommy Makem, who died in 2007.

The building includes a spacious, multifunctional hall with additional flexible rooms and spaces for the community, including a studio, an outdoor play area, an exhibition center and fully equipped kitchens.

Last year, DUP councillor Scott Armstrong described the condition of the roof as “appalling”, claiming that the premises had been suffering from roof damage since October and November 2015.

At the time, he welcomed plans to meet with ABC Council representatives to address these concerns.

After Monday’s council meeting, Councillor O’Hanlon said: “This problem has been going on for several years now and it has gone on for far too long. It’s just a disgrace.”

“Some users of the facility have had to cancel events or change location because the water is literally running through the ceiling in some areas.”

He added: “I have been assured that plans for the planned repairs are currently being finalised and that there should be no disruption to operations whilst the work is carried out.”

“I hope to have a final timeline in the coming weeks.”

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