Refurbishment works begin at Carnegie Library in Swords

Refurbishment works have begun at Carnegie Library in Swords, Fingal County Council has announced.

The local authority said that contractors have moved on site this week to commence the next phase in the development of the Swords Cultural Quarter, which includes the refurbishment of the library located on North Street.

“The Council have appointed Kelbuild Ltd as main contractors to carry out the refurbishment and conservation works at the building including the construction of a new two-storey extension to the side of the building to facilitate new services and improve universal access,” a spokesperson says.

“The works are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

“The project is within the Swords Cultural Quarter and will provide workspaces and a creative hub with flexibility for a range of community and arts activities including rehearsal and performance uses.”

The works to Carnegie Free Library will cost €1.5m and is being partially funded through a grant issued under the European Regional Development Fund for the Swords Cultural Quarter.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony, said: “The Swords Cultural Quarter is a flagship project for Fingal County Council and it is great to see work on part of it commence.

“When complete the Carnegie Free Library project will bring vibrancy and urban regeneration not only to North Street but also to the surrounding urban centre of Swords and will complement the other works planned for this area.”

The original Carnegie Free Library building dates from 1908 and is owned by Fingal County Council and recorded as a Protected Structure.

Councillors approved planning for the project in September 2021.

The Local Studies and Archives section of Fingal County Council’s Libraries Department, which was located in the Carnegie Free Library, has already been relocated to an adjacent building on North Street.

For more information on the Swords Cultural Quarter project go to www.fingal.ie/swordsculturalquarter