Former reference library refurb nears completion

Major refurbishment works at the former library building in Cavan Town are nearing completion.

Works on the Old Reference Library, occupied subsequently by Cavan County Council’s Environment and Water Services department, are being undertaken by local firm Crosserlough Construction.

A spokesperson for the local authority confirmed to the Celt that the contract value for the works is €134,084 and that “work is nearing completion and should be finished this month”.

Upgrades to the building include repairs to internal doors, walls, and ceilings; painting of ceilings and woodwork; repairs to the toilets and canteen; plumbing and heating; and the replacement of floor coverings in some rooms.

Suspended ceilings were also installed in some of the rooms in the three-storey Farnham Street premises, while existing light fittings were upgraded to more cost effective LED fittings, and heat, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were placed in all rooms and hallways.

The existing sliding sash windows along the Farnham Street elevation were refurbished, and the outside of the property painted.

The building enclosed what was once the Farnham Gardens, a linear park built over in the 1960s.

It previously also served as the main council headquarters.

Its refurbishment was flagged as far back as 2019, before the pandemic struck.