Slow progress on new libraries criticised again

Cavan County Council has again said it is looking at its options for new libraries in Kingscourt and Ballyjamesduff but slow progress has been described as “a disgrace”.

Director of Services Eoin Doyle told councillors at their October meeting that planning is underway for the projects. He said the Kingscourt facility could be tied in with planned regeneration works and the council is looking at “property options” for a new library.

He said planning is also underway for a new library in Ballyjamesduff. Again, Mr Doyle said the local authority is working to identify a suitable property, stressing the need for a town centre location.

He said the new library in Virginia, which is being included in the new Civic Centre at the Ramor Theatre, will be a “state of the art and flagship facility”.

The Open Library concept, which sees libraries across the country open from 8am to 10pm daily, will be rolled out in Virginia when it opens.

The scheme allows people to access libraries and books on a self-serve basis.

Cathaoirleach Clifford Kelly (FF) was critical of the slow progress on the new library for Kingscourt, saying the project would “take years to deliver”.

He said children in local schools are being forced to travel to Monaghan or Meath to avail of library services.

“It’s a bit of a disgrace a town of its size has been left without a proper library,” he said.