Funding of €920,000 has been approved for Failte Ireland for the Westport Town Hall.

A cultural centre and theatre will be developed at the Town Hall, in a €3 million project.

€1 million has been raised by the local community, while another €1 million is being contributed by the local authorities.

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism & Sport Michael Ring confirmed to Midwest News this morning that Failte Ireland has now allocated €920,000 towards the Town Hall project.

The contract has been signed, and Minister Ring says work is due to start early in the New Year, after over a decade of planning and local fundraising.

The refurbishment will provide a modern performing arts centre, and a community meeting room.