louth County Council announce new library and community space for Dunleer

lOUTH County Council recently purchased the former Bank of Ireland building in Dunleer for the provision of a new Council library and community space. The purchase was funded under the Building Acquisition Measure of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

minding the seat and I felt that now was the perfect time to say goodbye. I had already decided I wasn’t going to stand for re-election next year so by stepping down now it gives my replacement the chance to get used to things and learn how local government works.

I loved my time as a councillor and I would recommend it to anybody. I will stil be a member of the Fine Gael party and I will be here to ffer support and advice if needed to whoever replaces me. I feel privileged to have been able to work on the council for the people of louth and I leave with many fond memories,” concluded Maria.

As highlighted by louth County Council Chief Executive Joan Martin, louth County Council is committed to the development of its library service, evidenced by recent, considerable investments to ensure the library service meets the strategic objectives as per the louth library Service Development Programme 2020-2025, a key focus of which is ‘Improving access, use and visibility of the public library and establishing it as the goto place for a range of sustainable, integrated public services’.

louth County Council recognises the need to develop the public library service in Dunleer to meet the needs of the growing community. The acquisition of this building on the main street allows for the placing of a public facility in the heart of the community.

This works in tangent with the Dunleer Masterplan, which is currently being developed under the Town Centre

First Policy, which promotes re-using existing town assets, tackling vacancy and dereliction, breathing new life into Dunleer town centre. A new and improved library space will offer better access to digital hardware and software and support increased community engagement with more space and opportunities for school visits, story time, talks, book clubs and the many other services offered by louth library Service. louth library Service has recently been awarded library of Sanctuary status and this new community space will contribute to libraries continuing to strengthen and support communities by providing dynamic, inclusive and responsive library services.

Amanda Branigan, Acting County librarian added that a responsive library can support rural communities to address the current challenges faced, provide supports for economic recovery, and aid the revitalisation and regeneration of towns and villages to improve community development and quality of life.