New state-of-the-art library in the pipeline for Tipperary's largest town
'High-quality learning space' will be built over three floors
The new library in Clonmel will be “a stunning building,” County Librarian Damien Dullaghan has stated.
Tipperary County Council is about to apply for Part 8 planning permission for the new building, which will be built over three floors on a site adjacent to the county council offices and Clonmel Swimming Pool.
The site is an area where car parking spaces are currently located, on a route between Mick Delahunty Square and the Kickham Barracks Quarter.
The cost of the new building, which will be the “flagship branch library for the county,” has been previously estimated at €10 million.
Mr Dullaghan told a meeting of Clonmel Borough District that the new building will be “transformational”.
“The current library (which opened in 1987) has served the citizens for nearly four decades, and is a vital resource for the citizens of Clonmel and its hinterland.
“However, the building is very dated and presents difficulties in terms of offering a high-quality library service”.
He said that the new library will be a flexible and adaptable space, and will be a high-quality learning space that will embrace new and emerging technologies.
It will include a digital hub and a technical room for high-quality IT and robotics; an exhibition/performance space; a gallery; a lecture room; sensory space; a podcasting and creative studio; dedicated study spaces and dedicated areas for teenagers and younger children.
It has received €3 million in grant funding under the Library Capital Programme and the design team is ABK Architects, Dublin.
Mr Dullaghan said that the new library would occupy a space of more than 2,000 square metres, which is over four times larger than the current library, and would be very similar in scale to the new libraries in Kilkenny and Ennis.
The Mayor, Pat English, said the existing library had served the town well but it needed expansion.
The benefits of the new landmark library would be felt throughout the region, and it would be a vital part of the redevelopment of the town centre.
Cllr John FitzGerald said it would be a lovely addition to the town. It would be the final piece of the jigsaw in Mick Delahunty Square that includes the swimming pool, Tipperary Museum of Hidden History, the post office and the county council offices.
Cllr Siobhán Ambrose said that the library is an institution in the town. It is the one place where you can go for free and it services every age.
Cllr Niall Dennehy said that the library would be light years ahead and would be a great addition to the town.
Cllr Richie Molloy said it would be a wonderful amenity.
Cllr Tom Acheson said that the design is fantastic. It would be much more than a library and would be a stepping stone in the redevelopment of the town centre.