Historic library in Limerick town set to begin new chapter after more than 100 years

THE library in Askeaton, Co Limerick is set to be relocated after over a century in its current location.

A presentation on the plan to relocate the library was made to councillors at the January meeting of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District.

Limerick City and County Council Librarian, Damien Brady, told the elected members that the library would move to the nearby former Bank of Ireland building.

Mr Brady said that the current library building, which was built in 1907, is no longer fit for purpose.

A consultant’s report on the building found that there were issues with space, accessibility and particularly flooding, given the building’s proximity to the River Deel.

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The fact that this report cost the council approximately €5000 caused some concern among the elected members.

Fine Gael councillor Stephen Keary said that he was “sick to the teeth” of money being wasted by the council.

Mr Brady continued by saying that the Bank of Ireland building, which is located at East Square, is seen as an ideal location for the new library.

The building was used to house Ukrainian refugees for several years, but was vacated in October of last year and given to the council.

Now, Limerick City and County Council plans to transform the building into a “vibrant cultural centre” with enhanced library services.

The new library will have improved accessibility and more community and study spaces. However, it will only take up approximately a third of the building, with other parts to have separate uses.

Work is currently underway to bring the building back into use, with new carpets, furniture and shelves being put in. Mechanical and electrical works are also being carried out.

Mr Brady told the meeting that the plan is for the new library to open in March. He added that there is no national funding available for the project and the cost of the adaptation will be approximately €40,000.

It is understood that around €20,000 of this has already been spent, with the other half to be spent as works progress.

This plan was welcomed by all the elected members present at the meeting, although a number of questions were raised.

Independent Ireland councillor John O’Donoghue asked what the council’s plan for the current library building was. He said that the last thing he wants is another building owned by the council ending up derelict.

Mr Brady responded by saying that it is an old building but it is not in bad condition, so the council will look to bring it back into use. However, this will be discussed at a later date.

Fine Gael councillor Adam Teskey voiced his support for the project and described it as a “good news story for Askeaton”.

He hit out at “political commentators” in the area questioning local representatives. Citing the recent reopening of the swimming pool in Askeaton, as well as the plan for the library, he stated: “here’s your answer lads”.

He said that there has been “a lot done” by local councillors and said that the project was proof that the council could achieve value for money.

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His party colleague, Cllr Stephen Keary, expressed his delight that the library will not occupy all of the bank building, as he didn’t think it needed all the space.

Meanwhile, Independent Ireland councillor Tommy Hartigan asked when the other parts of the building might be filled, to which he received no response from the council executive.

Mr Brady concluded the presentation by saying that the council did not want to open the new library in January as the schools have just gone back.

He said that by opening the facility in March, the library will be able to “hit the ground running” with a community event on a sunny day.