PUBLIC LIBRARIES throughout Ireland are to be upgraded under a €8.5 million development programme announced yesterday.
The Capital Programme for Public Libraries 2009-2010 will contribute towards the development and refurbishment of public libraries throughout the country and will create 100 jobs, according to the Department of the Environment. Other projects already under way will also receive funding towards completion. A spokesman for the department said the €8.5 million would be spent on projects commencing in 2009. Libraries attracted more than 14 million visits in 2008.
Subject to public finances being available in 2010, libraries in Carlingford, Co Louth; Wexford town; Bettystown, Co Meath; Roscommon town; Ballymahon, Co Longford; Mhuinebeag, Co Carlow; and Swinford, Co Mayo will also receive grant aid.
Minister of State Tom Kitt said the funding “demonstrates continuing commitment by the Government to the public library service despite the current challenges being faced”. The libraries that will get money for refurbishment this year are in Borris, Co Carlow; Ballymote, Co Sligo; Kilmallock, Co Limerick; Tuam, Co Galway; the mobile library for Galway County Library Service; Mullingar, Co Westmeath; Carrickpherish, Waterford city; and Ballyfermot Branch Library in Dublin.
Projects under way to get funding include Greystones, Co Wicklow; Mountmellick, Co Laois; Clara, Co Offaly; and Kildare town.
