Controversial chapter at library ends

RESIDENTS in Balbriggan were celebrating last week after Fingal County Council announced it had abandoned plans to relocate their local library.

Fury erupted in the town last month when the council proposed that the library be relocated from its current premises in the town hall, George’s Square, to Gallen’s Mill in Mill Street.

It was also proposed that a new resource for jobseekers and employers under the Department of Social Protection’s Intreo programme would be established in the town hall.

However, at a meeting of Fingal County Council last Wednesday (January 29), Acting Fingal County Manager Peter Caulfield gave a commitment to councillors that the library would be retained at its current location.

Mr Caulfield said a location for the new Intreo facility would be sought and that one of the sites being explored was Gallen’s Mill.

Balbriggan ward councillor Grainne Maguire (Ind) was among the local public representatives who welcomed confirmation from Mr Caulfield that the library is to remain at its current location in the heart of the town.

“I am happy that this issue has been resolved and heartened that both the elected representatives and the community can work together with Fingal County Council to get things done,

? said Cllr Maguire.

“However, I feel very strongly that the civic offices of

‘Halla an Bhaile’ should remain with the people for us to use as a community facility and will work hard to ensure that this is the case.

“We can now move forward and use this constructive energy to address other issues that remain outstanding.

?

Cllr Maguire said there have been many positive changes in Balbriggan over the last few years.

“However, many challenges still remain, namely, the procurement of a museum to be used by the Maritime Committee and the Historical Society,

? she stated.

“The replacing of the dome on our lighthouse, which has been on the table for some time now needs to be addressed urgently and many other issues that have been brought to my attention.

“I am committed to working hard to ensure that we work together to focus not only on what needs to be done but on the many positive attributes that our wonderful town has to offer.

?

A major protest outside the library and public meetings were attended by hundreds of locals in the last few weeks. They also signed a petition against the relocation plan and handed it into the council’s offices in Swords prior to the breakthrough.