It was also announced by the Office of Public Works that local Wexford based company Cleary and Doyle Contracting had been awarded the contract to build the new theatre.

The new building, which will be located on the site of the old Theatre Royal, which was home to the festival since 1951, will generate up to 25 full and part-time jobs. The new theatre will also provide a new location for the performing arts in Ireland, presenting opera, theatre and dance and will provide much-needed facilities for regionally based music and theatre groups.

The main theatre will accommodate 750 theatre-goers and will include a second performance space for smaller events.

"I am delighted that my department has allocated 26m towards the overall cost of providing Wexford and the country with a world-class opera house that will meet the future needs of the festival, " said John O'Donoghue, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism on the announcement.

For further information visit the festival's website www. wexfordopera. com.