Construction to start on new north Clondalkin library by end of year

By Maurice Garvey

CONSTRUCTION of the new library in North Clondalkin is due to commence on site by the end of 2017.

Tenders for the project in Rowlagh, at the junction of Liscarne Close and Oatfield Avenue/Park, are to be issued in Summer.

South Dublin County Council expect the library to be fully completed and open to the public in early 2019.

Plans have been in the works for some time. With 10 schools in the area, the development of a new library for North Clondalkin was identified as a key priority in the South Dublin Libraries Development Plan 2012-2016.

Council officials say the facility will offer “multi-functional services” and bring “much needed community, recreational and educational resource to the area.”

Independent Councillor Francis Timmons said: “While I have not agreed with the location of the new library for North Clondalkin the facility itself looks like it will be a huge asset to the whole community.

“Learning is important at any age and I welcome the multi-use potential of such a building. It will provide a state of the art library that will contribute to lifelong learning throughout the area.’’

It is envisaged that the library will open for 54.5 hours per week over six days with four late openings and open all day Friday and Saturday.

There will be three Individual rooms – an IT training room, conferenceroom and a smaller meeting room. The main library hall will include a children’s library (dedicated area) and an adult area.

Other facilities will include a specific digital area for IT, free internet access PCs, printing facilities, multi-media stock and self-service stations.

There will also be an exhibition space, study area with laptop connection points and an adult reading area.

Cllr Timmons has asked for a full update report at the next area meeting, including timescales and costs involved.