Public to have their say on new library in Clondalkin

LOCALS in Clondalkin have been offered a fresh opportunity to have their say on the new public library.

South Dublin County Council launched an initial public consultation phase for the proposed development of a library to serve the North Clondalkin area in February.

The new library will be centrally located within the established village area of Rowlagh, close to existing community facilities and schools.

The proposed library is designed to be a welcoming and inclusive space, offering IT facilities, meetings rooms, quiet reading areas and a children’s library.

Designers say the contemporary design maximises the use of natural light and ventilation throughout the building and will also open up into the surrounding green area with a library garden for outdoor activities.

When constructed library members will be able to avail of all the services on offer for free, from borrowing the latest bestseller, attending storytelling sessions with their children, accessing the Internet or just reading the newspaper.

The Sinn Fein councillor for North Clondalkin, Mark Ward, has welcomed plans for further public consultation prior to the building of the new library in North Clondalkin in August.

Cllr Ward, who asked for a report on the North Clondalkin library at a recent area committee meeting, said: “I asked for this report on the North Clondalkin Library to be brought to our last area committee meeting after residents asked me for an update.”

The tender for North Clondalkin Library was put out in April 2018, via e-tenders to the seven short-listed contractors. The council anticipate a start date on site of mid-August 2018.

“I am very pleased that consultation will now take place with local residents to confirm that issues previously raised have been addressed in the tender.

“It will also explain the arrangements proposed while construction is underway.

“It is planned that the library will open for 54 hours per week over six days with four late openings and open all day Friday and Saturday,” Cllr Ward added.

“The main hall will include a children’s library and an adult area. There will be three Individual rooms – an IT training room and conference rooms.

“Over the years North Clondalkin has been left behind but once local issues are ironed out this library will be a huge benefit to our area.”