An artist impression of Cherry Orchard Point
Cherry Orchard is ‘starved of basic amenities’
CALLS have been made for the establishment of a library in Cherry Orchard, an area that is experiencing huge population growth as housing developments continue to sprout.
Councillor Ray Cunningham raised this proposal at Dublin City Council’s October meeting, referencing the important community space that a library would provide to Cherry Orchard.
Currently, the area is witnessing a rapid increase in expansion, with Cherry Orchard Point set to deliver a total of 1,157 quality new homes over the next number of years.
Funding has been assigned to the area through the Town and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, with the Cherry Orchard Park Renewal project receiving an investment of €9m, yet lacks other basic amenities.
Cllr Cunningham pointed out the increase in amenities that is needed in Cherry Orchard, which has been “starved of basic amenities” for too long and is calling on Dublin City Council to recognise this and support the development of the area.
In his motion, Cllr Cunningham pointed out the importance of libraries to the wider community, stating:
“Libraries are places where children, and adults, can develop a love of reading, a passion that can open their minds and hearts to a much wider world. Libraries are also important community spaces, that host activities for people of all ages.”
He also referenced the cultural space that will be developed alongside the residential space in Cherry Orchard Point and the possibility of setting space aside for a library.
“We’re at the stage where we know that there are going to be cultural spaces in Cherry Orchard Point and we know there are going to be community spaces, but we don’t know exactly what they are. So, it’s a good time to think, well, why don’t we use one of those spaces for a library?”
A library would provide the area with a place to “gather, form committees and do things together” in a “welcoming environment” that will also help new residents integrate into the community.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
