Concern over staffing issues at Dunamaise Arts Centre
Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise. File image
CONCERN over staffing issues at the Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise has been raised with The Arts Council.
The Fórsa trade union, which represents a number of current and former staff at the centre, has raised a series of issues with The Arts Council, the national government agency for funding, developing and promoting the arts.
Fórsa also issued letters this week to the centre’s board of management and to Laois county councillors, highlighting concerns which the union contends are affecting artistic programming. Three councillors are on the Dunamaise Arts Centre’s board of management.
The Dunamaise receives substantial public funding annually from The Arts Council, amounting to €145,000 in 2025 and a further €145,000 this year.
In a letter to The Arts Council this week, Fórsa said it would welcome an opportunity to discuss specific staff concerns further. It is understood that some matters have been referred to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
In response to a query from the on 10 June, Dunamaise board of management chairperson Clive Davis said that it would not be appropriate to comment on individual employment matters.
In a written statement, Mr Davis added: ‘When concerns are raised, they are reviewed through the appropriate internal processes and in line with our legal, HR and governance obligations, with due care for all involved.
‘As a publicly funded arts centre, Dunamaise remains focused on serving artists, audiences and the wider community while ensuring the organisation is managed fairly, transparently and sustainably.’
