Thursday, 25th April 2024
Wicklow County Council has welcomed the announcement from Minister Heather Humphries yesterday with the confirmation that a maximum grant of €3 million euro has been allocated for a new library at Ballywaltrim. This substantial investment will mean the existing Ballywaltrim Library will almost quadruple in size and provide a modern public library space for the community.
In response to the announcement, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Aoife Flynn Kennedy was enthusiastic at the prospect of this opportunity for Bray and its environs, “This extended accessibility will be a game changer, and ensure that every member of our community can enjoy and use the library's facilities at times that suit their busy schedules. We are proud to provide a space that not only meets modern standards, but also adapts to the evolving needs of our residents, fostering a culture of learning and engagement across all ages."
The anticipated cost of the entire project could run to €8m, speaking following the announcement yesterday, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman said "I am delighted with this announcement; the expected investment altogether of €8 million will result in a state of the art public library for Bray. This isn't just a building; it's an amenity that will serve as a centre for community life, ensuring we have a place where residents of all ages can gather, interact and inspire one another.”
Proposals for the major €3 million revamp of Ballywaltrim Library were given the green light back in February 2022 and are included among the capital projects contained within Wicklow County Library Service Development Plan 2021 to 2025.
Speaking on the funding news, Director of Services, Breege Kilkenny said “This new library will feature a cutting-edge design that maximises natural light, creating a welcoming and energising space for our users. It will also be a near-zero energy building and the site has sufficient space to allow for the inclusion of a sensory garden.”
Other ideas considered at the time included extending Bray Carnegie Library on Eglinton Road, however due to its historical significance and location with the prospect of losing the garden, it was agreed that the site at Ballywaltrim presented a better opportunity for development.
Like all Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) funded libraries, the new Ballywaltrim Library will be a My Open Library whereby the public will have access from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Construction of the new Ballywaltrim Library is expected to span approximately 18 months. During this period, the current library will relocate but continue to serve the community with minimal interruption. Further details on the construction will follow in due course.