New Portlaoise library 'very modest' at €84 per Laois person
Laois Minister of State, accountant Sean Fleming defended the cost of the new Portlaoise library by doing some sums.
“It's very modest indeed. The €7.6m divided by the 90,000 people in this county is €84 per person. That is good investment in a facility like this that will be here in 100 years time.
“This is about the investment in our future it's not just about the building. The value of this construction wll be based on how many people use it into the future,” he said at the opening.
“Some people have raised the cost of the project today.
“This Government wants to help people. An example is free books for primary schools, you do not put a price on education. We didn't spend money, we invested it into the future of people of Laois,” he said.
He spoke at the official opening of the library by Minister Heather Humphreys, on Monday, July 17.
He praised Laois County Council as "brave".
"Laois County Council were brave the day the bought the old Shaws shop. Their vision and foresight proved right. It is great to see the centre of the town be reinvigorated. The old convent around the corner is to be accommodation. The library is going to help all the traders as well," Minister Fleming said.