A new chapter has begun in the story of a former courthouse in Co Kilkenny which will now be a training ground for some future master craftspeople.
The building formerly known as Sessions House in Thomastown has been rejuvenated under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
It has been officially reopened as the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland's academy of excellence for jewellery-making and goldsmithing.
The project was funded from the LEADER Programme and through Kilkenny County Council at an overall cost of €1.5 million.
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys, who opened the building, described it as "a fantastic occasion".
Also included in the Thomastown regeneration project is a new accessible car park and "public realm" improvements, but the main element is the relocation of the Design and Craft Council's academy from Kilkenny city to the heritage building.
The centre of excellence will provide educational opportunities for the jewellery sector with facilities for full-time students and industry-specific short courses.
It will also provide space for designers-in-residency, incubator spaces and a gallery space accessible to the public.
"Today really is a celebration of the strong and vibrant creative and design culture that exists here in Kilkenny," Ms Humphreys said, "and I know that this new academy really will strengthen both Thomastown and the entire southeast region as a centre for creative and vibrant cultural activity."
Meanwhile, the local community centre is to be redeveloped into a modern library, with funding of over €2.5 million from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
