New €250,000 mobile library will serve over 2,000 library users in rural south Wexford – Minister Ring
- Published on: 9 March 2018
- Last updated on: 6 December 2018
Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, today (9 March 2018) officially launched a new state-of-the-art mobile library in Duncannon, Co Wexford.
The mobile library was purchased and developed following an investment of €250,000 by Minister Ring’s department under the Library Capital Investment Programme 2016-2021.
Speaking at the launch in Duncannon, Minister Ring said:
“This new mobile library will provide an invaluable service to over 2,000 library users living in rural areas of south Co Wexford. It will service 51 locations in the far corners of the county from Duncannon in the west to Rosslare in the east and up as far as Donard.
“A mobile library reaches out to rural communities, providing a service not just of books but of inclusion and connection. It is an invaluable service for rural communities.
“The mobile library is a service for young and old. It serves community locations like nursing homes, day care centres and crèches, as well as 21 schools in the south of the county. This new state-of-the-art mobile library has a full range of lending materials and has a stock of over 4,000 books.
“It offers residents a link to wider library services as staff can check availability of books in other libraries throughout the country, giving members access to any book from any library in the country.
“This €250,000 investment in the mobile library is entirely consistent with my department’s vision to promote and support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland, both rural and urban.
Minister Ring also confirmed that he intends to launch a new Strategy for Public Libraries in the coming weeks. The ambitious Strategy aims to develop high-tech libraries that are attractive and vibrant multi-functional spaces.
ENDS
Note to editors
The Libraries Capital Investment Programme 2016-2021 was launched in 2016.
It committed almost €23 million to 17 capital projects and the rollout of My Open Library.
Projects included new builds, re-developments, refurbishments and mobile libraries (details at Appendix A).
These projects will complete at various stages between now and 2022.
Appendix A: Library Capital Investment Programme
| Local Authority | Library Project | DRCD Allocation |
| Open Libraries | €2.3 million | |
| Dublin City | Kevin Street | €1 million |
| Kildare | Athy | €1.65 million |
| Laois | Portlaoise | €1.65 million |
| Wicklow | Wicklow Town | €1 million |
| South County Dublin | North Clondalkin | €1 million |
| Tipperary | Carrick-on-Suir | €0.15 million |
| Clare | Ennis | €3 million |
| Offaly | Edenderry | €1.7 million |
| Cavan | Virginia | €0.85 million |
| Kilkenny | Kilkenny City | €2.45 million |
| Monaghan | Monaghan Town | €1 million |
| Mayo | Westport | €1.1 million |
| Limerick | Limerick City | €2 million |
| Longford | Edgeworthstown | €1.25 million |
| Tipperary | Schools Mobile Library | €0.1 million |
| Wexford | Mobile Library | €0.25 million |
| Kerry | Mobile Library | €0.25 million |
| Total | €22.7 million |