Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today announced a €25 million investment in our Public Library Service, including funding of €1.31 million for the establishment of a new library in Ballymote.
Funding Announced for Sligo County Library
Minister Humphreys' announcement of €25 million for the enhancement of our Public Library Service, will fund the construction of a new library in Ballymote, along with a cutting-edge Next Generation Mobile Library Vehicle for Sligo County Library.
Ballymote will benefit from an impressive investment of €1.31 million for the establishment of a new, modern library, enhancing the town's cultural landscape and providing a welcoming space for residents to engage in reading, learning, and community activities.
As part of the Minister's commitment to improving library services across the country, Sligo County Library will receive €225,090 for a new Next Generation Mobile Library Vehicle. This innovative mobile library will bring the library experience directly to communities across the county, ensuring that everyone has access to books, technology, and educational resources.
The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Gerard Mullaney stated
"We are truly grateful for the Minister's generous support for our Public Library Service. This significant funding will enable us to build a new library in Ballymote, fostering a culture of learning and community engagement in the region. Our vibrant Next Generation Mobile Library Vehicle will help us expand our services to remote areas, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive in today's ever-changing world."
County Librarian Dónal Tinney expressed his enthusiasm, stating,
"This investment is an incredible opportunity to modernise our library services and adapt to the evolving needs of our communities. The new Ballymote Library will offer an inclusive and accessible space for residents, while our state-of-the-art mobile library will allow us to reach more people than ever before. We are thrilled to be able to bring the library experience to the doorsteps of our residents, encouraging a love for reading, learning, and community engagement."
Speaking after the announcement, Minister Humphreys said:
“I’m very pleased today to announce a €25 million investment in our public libraries and library vehicles.
“This will see the delivery of 11 new and extended library facilities across the country, in places such as Drogheda, Bray, New Ross, Swords, Ballymote and Clonmel.
“The projects include old churches and priories, cinemas and market-houses which will be transformed for 21st century use.
“This goes to the heart of what we are working to achieve under our five-year rural development strategy, ‘Our Rural Future’.”
Minister Humphreys added:
“As part of this announcement, there will also be an investment of almost €2.7 million in our mobile library vehicles, which have proven extremely popular in towns and villages across the country.
“Investing in our library service is a key priority for me as Minister and goes to the heart of our new public library strategy that I launched last year.
“I want to take this opportunity to once again thank our dedicated library staff across the country, who contribute so much to our public library service and our communities.”