I am delighted to have secured the support of Minister Darragh O’Brien and his Department for Na Píobairí Uilleann’s International Centre of Excellence for Uilleann Piping.

The Minister has communicated his support for the development of an International Centre of Excellence for Uilleann Piping at Henrietta Street and his department has confirmed that they are considering funding the project through the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund and that officials are in engaging with Dublin City Council on the matter.

Na Píobairí Uilleann was founded in 1968 when less than 100 uilleann pipers were remaining. Now, over 45 years later, NPU has over 1,500 members and is a thriving arts organisation dedicated to sharing the Sound of Ireland. Their headquarters are located at Henrietta Street, and they have proposed to create an International Centre of Excellence for Uilleann Piping. I was proud to support their planning application when I was on Dublin City Council and I will continue to work with Na Píobairí Uilleann in securing funding for their fantastic project. This project will be a great addition to the inner city and will help preserve our heritage and spread the sound of Ireland.