Stillorgan Library is set for a big boost with €1.5m in funding.
The Library is over 35 years old and is currently housed in a 1970s prefab. It has 100,000 users each year.
The funding is from the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Library Capital Investment Programme and the new library is being developed by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council who will provide the balance of funding for the project.
Minister Josepha Madigan said: “It will be a focal point and destination for the local community as part of the regeneration of St Laurence’s Park, which will also include residential apartments.”
“It will also be a great boost for the wider Stillorgan area. I know the current facility has a very wide catchment area which extends as far as Deerpark, Mount Merrion, Kilmacud, Priory, Leopardstown and Merville.
“The current library is one of the busiest in the county but it is both old and at capacity. The new facility will be much better suited to the full range of activities expected for a modern Library.”
Local Minister Shane Ross also welcomed the funding. “It will allow Stillorgan Library to offer modern, improved facilities to its users and will hopefully attract more people to use this fantastic local amenity.”
Cllr Lettie Mc Carthy (LAB), said: “I was so pleased to hear of this funding which will be very beneficial to Stillogan Library. It is great to see library improvements across the county and work will commence on Ballyogan Library next year which will help complete the circle.”
Councillor John Kennedy (FG) said: “This development represents a very significant step towards the ultimate and long sought after library upgrade.”
There was a mixed reaction on social media at the announcement. Some felt the funding would be better spent elsewhere.
One wrote: “We are coming into winter. The amount of homeless people that have died on our streets over the last five winters.
“This is the highest disrespect to human life in Ireland, the families out there that are struggling to find somewhere to live within their means. The lack of housing in this country is an absolute disgrace and you want to put money into a poxy library? All energy should be put into the housing emergency.
Another commented: “This is disgusting. Money needed for homes [and] health, not libraries. Don’t use my tax please on this.”
While others welcomed the funding.
One wrote: “I don’t think anyone is putting the library before housing. Libraries are as important as anything else. Education/learning is not a waste of money.”
Another wrote: “Anything good happening to a community is always welcomed.”
