Press release
New Library for Donegal Town a vital service for the community – Minister Ring
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Library is a major investment by the government in the future of Donegal Town.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, today (17 May 2018) announced an allocation of €1 million towards the cost of developing a new library in Donegal Town.
The funding contribution will be provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Libraries Capital Investment Programme 2016-2021. It will be matched by significant contributions from both Donegal County Council and Donegal Town Credit Union.
Reflecting the needs of Donegal Town and its environs, the new library will be significantly bigger than the existing building and will open on a full-time basis.
When completed, it is expected to attract an additional 70,000 to 80,000 visits per annum due to the expected increased usage by the local population, tourism and increased footfall as a result of its co-location with the Family Resource Centre and Foróige.
Recognising the importance of the integrated development for Donegal Town, Minister Ring said:
“The building will be a significant and important public space which will make a valuable contribution to the future of Donegal Town and its environs. People will be able to combine visiting the building with shopping, work and school given its prime location.
“This is an integrated project which combines a public library and multi-purpose community centre in Donegal Town. This innovative proposal will see a new library incorporated with the Family Resource Centre and Foróige.
“The project involves a significant financial contribution from the Donegal Town Credit Union which brought the project concept to Donegal County Council and the other partners. I would like to commend all involved in developing the proposal.”
The minister acknowledged the importance of partnership approaches to developing and delivering sustainable community services and facilities:
“The commitment of the Family Resource Centre and Foróige to locate in the building makes this a true community space which will enable close working relationships and integrated programmes to be developed for the benefit of the community.”
The new library will significantly improve library services for Donegal Town. Minister Ring said:
“The proposal reflects the ambition for the library service set out in the new public library strategy which I hope to launch very shortly. The development will enable the provision of library services to be expanded from the current arrangement to opening on a full-time basis, including late evenings and Saturdays.
“In addition to improving services for the immediate hinterland, the new facility will see a significant enhancement to the service for the southwest of the county, covering a very large catchment area.”
A new Strategy for Public Libraries 2018-2022 will be launched shortly by Minister Ring, which aims to develop libraries that are attractive, vibrant and multi-functional spaces.
ENDS