‘No progress’ on new city library
A new campaign group, consisting of city councillors and TDs has been set up to push for the completion of an “enhanced city library”.
The group was launched on Saturday 17 January at the South Parish Community Centre. In 2021, the Government announced funding of €41 million for the redevelopment of the Grand Parade, which was to include a new library building.
The group said that there has been “no progress” on the proposed library project.
Colette Kelleher, who chaired the meeting, said that “the people of Cork city need and deserve a ‘state of the art’ public library befitting a modern European city”.
Pádraig Rice TD said that the library has “great staff and services”, but he said that the current building isn’t fit for purpose.
“A three-storey building could provide a new space for people to gather. More space to study, learn and relax. More space for events, cultural activities, and classes,” he said.
The library project was raised at last week’s full city council meeting by Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy.
In response, a spokesperson for the Council Executive said that the Library Service is a “key component of the cultural, literacy, and recreational infrastructure of Cork City and it is an important element in the wider community now and in the future”.
“The commitment to providing a new city library of scale and substance is one that is a priority for Cork City Council.
“Work is ongoing to make this happen and further updates will be provided as matter progresses,” they said.
Cllr McCarthy said that the answer was “unsatisfactory”. Echoing his disappointment, Social Democrat councillor Niamh O’Connor said that she was “deeply frustrated” with the reply, as it was “almost identical” to a response to the same question she had received in May. The city council provided an identical response to that provided to Cllrs McCarthy and O’Connor when asked by the Cork Independent.
The article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.