A new chapter for city library?

A motion outlining ten "must have" points for a new city centre library has been passed at Cork City Council at their latest council meeting on Monday night.

The motion, put forward by Social Democrats Councillor Niamh O’Connor, was originally deferred to committee after the March meeting of the council.

The points call for a number of accessibility measures to be put into place for the new library, as well as a mix of cultural offerings for users.

It outlines that the library must have “ample physical space to meet the needs of a world class, 21st century library”.

The library will also have different spaces to meet different needs. An entrance floor will “act as a new enclosed city square and connect the public realm at the front of the building”.

A middle floor will be used for events for people, while the top floor will focus on space for workshops, classes, study rooms, project rooms, and “at least 175 study spaces”.

Colette Kelleher, a spokesperson for the City Library Action Group, said the group were delighted the motion had been passed.

She said they now wanted to hear from central Government as to their plans regarding funding and the location, now that city council had submitted its preliminary business case.

The motion drew criticism from a minority of councillors. Fianna Fáil Cllr Terry Shannon said it was “political opportunism”.

However, Kelleher said while the delay to the library meant that political initiative was needed, and that they were happy the Social Democrats had tabled the motion, the group has seen broad cross-party support, including from Fianna Fáil.

“I’m not in a party, but I’ve talked to people in all parties and none. This is a civic matter, it’s a public matter, it belongs to all the people of Cork,” she said.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.