Plans progress for refit of Tuam's Mill Museum as cultural hub

By TOM GILMORE PLANS are moving ahead for the refurbishment of the miller's house at Chapel Lane, Tuam, which it is hoped will re-open as a public space for artistic and cultural activities within the next year. The deadline for tenders for the work, to the tendering section of Galway Co Council, was earlier this summer. The process is ongoing and after the tenders are approved funding will be announced. But the committee will also have to do some fundraising to provide matching funds[private] Those involved in the refurbishment of Tuam's Mill Museum say they are also planning to repair the broken mill wheel. But as this is a very specialised task it will take some time to complete. 'There is a considerable amount of speciality required regarding the repairs to the mill wheel as well as with the work on the miller's house. 'The mill wheel is high on our agenda but while we have got the special timber for this, the work will have to be carried out under an industrial archaeologist,' says Dr Riana O'Dwyer, Chairperson of the Mill Museum Committee. She added that they have got a lot of support for the repairs to the wheel from the local anglers' organisations and from retired publican Padraic McHugh and his wife Margaret. Their late daughter Ann Marie, a victim of the Twin Towers attack in New York, is commemorated in a memorial garden opposite the museum. 'Overall there is a lot of goodwill and support for the work that we are planning for both the miller's house and the mill wheel. But the work has to move along in stages and all planning requirements have to be met,' says Riana. She added that the miller's house refurbishments have to be done to specifications that make the most efficient use of energy conservation and the repairs to such an old and historic building have to be ecologically sound and in keeping with the character of the structure. Dr O'Dwyer said that when work is completed on both the miller's house and the mill wheel at Chapel Lane, as well as the separate project to restore the miller's cottage on the other side of Shop Street, it will all add to retaining the historic streetscape in this area of the town. Much of the work is expected to be complete next year, which is significant as it marks the 400th anniversary of Tuam getting its charter. The offices of the Corrib Country organisation were located at the Mill Museum for 22 years until last year when it moved to temporary premises in The Square. Teresa Burke, of Corrib Country, says they hope to move back into the Mill Museum building as soon as the refurbishment is completed. [/private]