Library set to be transformed with start date of July 2019
By Maurice Garvey
PLANS to transform Inchicore Library are set to include the installation of a disability access ramp, reports Maurice Garvey.
The Dublin City Council building first opened in 1937 but is deemed to be outdated and in major need of an upgrade, with 20 steps leading to it’s entrance.
A pre-planning Part 8 presentation was made to the South Central area committee last week by architect Donal Walsh, from Walsh Associates, who forms part of the design team for the project.
Mr Walsh said the primary aim of the project is to restore the building and maximise access to the facility, whilst expanding on the existing service.
A number of councillors at the area meeting, raised concerns that proposals to redevelop St Michaels estate, already contained the provision of a library.
One of the proposals was put forward in April by St Patrick’s Athletic, for a 12,000 seat stadium and town centre at the estate.
Paul Fusco, DCC Public Libraries, said they looked at St Michael’s as a potential site for a new library, when previous plans for the estate were mooted.
However, when those plans fell by the wayside, they started to look at other locations.
Planning for the current Inchicore Library project started in 2015, and was at a fairly advanced stage before St Michaels came back into the picture.
However, it is understood that should another library be included within any St Michael’s development down the line, that the Emmet Road building could be utilised for a different use.
The design team hope the project will go to tender in March 2019, and subject to planning and successful tenders, construction starting in July 2019 and finished by late 2019-early 2020.
Councillors agreed to proceed with the pre-planning Part 8 project.
The plans will be available for viewing in City Hall and in Inchicore Library.
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