Ballyduff library compared to ‘box bedroom’

The existing library facility in Ballyjamesduff is not much bigger “than a box bedroom”.

That was the view expressed by Fine Gael Councillor Trevor Smith at the May meeting of the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District Authority, hosted online.

He is demanding investment in the service locally highlighting that the current building it is not wheelchair friendly and cannot accomodate people with disabilities or groups from local schools.

"There are two locations that should be strongly considered – the present Fire Station premises when it becomes available or included in the old Percy French Hotel building project. Either places are strong contenders for consideration," suggested Cllr Smith.

Director of Services Eoin Doyle gave a commitment to seek a better alternative that will be suitable for the people of Ballyjamesduff.

Support on this issue came from Cllr Shane P. O’Reilly (Ind). "It is ridiculously small for a town like Ballyjamesduff with the population that now exists there – a poor relation when it comes to library services," remarked the Mullagh man.

The chairman of the MD, Craig Lovett, went so far as to say the existing library in Ballyjamesduff is “not fit for purpose” and agreed with Cllr Smith that it is “no bigger than a box bedroom".

Cllr Lovett was supportive of transforming the old fire station building for use as a library.

Mr Doyle agreed “completely” that the current library is “insufficient to meet the demands of the town. It is not fully accessible, which is something that should not be encouraged for any public building. It is on a scale in size that is entirely unsuitable for a growing town such as Ballyjamesduff".

The director added: "It in no way meets the modern vision of a library, which is very much at the centre of the community, one that is accessible and inviting to everyone and one that has the technology and means of access to the wider world, that is to be encouraged going forward."

Mr Doyle complimented the library staff in Ballyjamesduff who, he said, are doing an excellent job.

He assured members that options, including those mentioned by members, are being explored for a new library facility.

"As things stand, there is no current scheme of funding for library provision. There may be some scope for use of the regeneration funds. We will look at that, if it is possible,” Mr Doyle concluded.