The Eye on Donegal PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY
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May 24th 2018
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Architect’s impression of the new building in 2016 showing its position adjacent to the Credit Union building.
Planning application for new Library and Community Building could be lodged in weeks By Margaret Gallagher
Subject to a review of the existing design, a planning application for the new library in Donegal Town could be lodged in weeks. Award-winning local architect Declan McCabe drew up the initial plans for the new building in 2016 and while these will be revised in line with the funding available it is understood that they will remain substantially unchanged as the design was previously approved by the key stakeholders. Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh announced last week a €2.1 million investment package to develop a new community building
The current library is housed in the “Old Tech” building on the Killybegs Road
which will house the long awaited library and will also accommodate a number of other community facilities. In a statement to the Eye on Donegal, Donegal County Council welcomed the Minister’s funding announcement. Donegal Town has been at the top of the Council’s priority list of library developments for quite some years and is included in Cultúr: A Strategic Vision for Cultural Services 20162020. In order to deliver on this project, substantial external funding was required. Joe McHugh TD said, “I cannot thank Minister Ring highly enough for the work that he and his department have put into getting this over the line. Libraries are a part of the social fabric of a community and this significant investment will do wonders for bringing people together to learn from each other, not just from books, this new facility will become a community hub and a place for people to develop skills and interests.” The Department’s investment in the building is €1m and this will be matched by significant contributions from both Donegal County Council and the local sources. The current library is open part-time at 14 hours per week and is housed in the ETB building on the Mountcharles Road. The new library will have a floor area of 500sq metres and will open full time including Saturdays.
County Librarian & Divisional Manager, Cultural Services: Eileen Burgess There were over 9,800 visits to the local library in 2017, up from 8,044 in 2016 and the new library is expected to generate a significant increase in visitor numbers and will also provide a welcome community space. There will be an open plan area with access to a multipurpose ICT/training space, community meeting areas, learning areas, space for young people, local history and much more besides. Continued on Page 2
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