Council to announce library move to bank
OVER the coming days Wicklow County Council will announce the purchase of the Ulster Bank premises as the location for a new state-of-the-art library in Wicklow town.
Last year, the Library Development Plan adopted by Wicklow County Council allowed for the provision of new libraries in Wicklow town, Rathdrum, Aughrim and Bray, as well as a replacement mobile library van. The plan, which covers the years 2016 to 2020, also includes the extension of Wi-Fi to every library in the county as well as a commitment to increase the annual book fund
Cllr Gail Dunne said: ‘The old library located on the site of Wicklow Courthouse was totally unsuitable to the needs of Wicklow town. Our county town has grown over many years and will continue to grow so a much larger space and facilities are needed for a proper library service.
‘It should help rejuvenate that side of the town. The new library at Arklow is a wonderful service and I think the purchase of this building will help improve library services in Wicklow town and bring it up to the same level of standard.’
Discussions over the purchase of the vacant Ulster Bank site have been ongoing for the past number of months. The building is located in the heart of the town on the junction of The Mall and New Street.
Wicklow Municipal District Cathaoirleach, Cllr Shay Cullen, feels the new purchase will make for an ideal library.
He said: ‘It should be of fantastic benefit to the people of Wicklow town. It is a central location for people and should also help bring a bit of life to that part of Wicklow.
‘I think you will find the new library, when completed, will become a central hub for the town.
‘It will also tie in with the Kickstart Wicklow campaign aimed at capitalising on Wicklow town’s potential.
‘It will help open up the town. There is also a possibility of other Municipal District services operating from the premises.’
Deputy Pat Casey said the spacious new premises should provide room for ICT and other facilities.
‘For years we have been trying to get a more suitable venue for a library and this iconic building and location is ideal.
‘I look forward to seeing it open to readers and users alike and this is an excellent example of main street renewal and I am delighted that the council is to the forefront of this.’