The former Bank of Ireland building in Dunleer is to be converted into a new library and community space by Louth County Council which bought the building recently with funding from the Building Acquisition Measure of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
As highlighted by Louth County Council Chief Executive Joan Martin, Louth County Council is committed to the development of its library service, evidenced by recent, considerable investments to ensure the library service meets the strategic objectives as per the Louth Library Service Development Programme 2020-2025, a key focus of which is
‘Improving access, use and visibility of the public library and establishing it as the go-to place for a range of sustainable, integrated public services’.
Louth County Council recognises the need to develop the public library service in Dunleer to meet the needs of the growing community. The acquisition of this building on the main street allows for the placing of a public facility in the heart of the community.
This works in tangent with the Dunleer Masterplan, which is currently being developed under the Town Centre First Policy, which promotes re-using existing town assets, tackling vacancy and dereliction, breathing new life into Dunleer town centre.
A new and improved library space will offer better access to digital hardware and software and support increased community engagement with more space and opportunities for school visits, story time, talks, book clubs and the many other services offered by Louth Library Service.
Louth Library Service has recently been awarded Library of Sanctuary status and this new community space will contribute to libraries continuing to strengthen and support communities by providing dynamic, inclusive and responsive library services.
Amanda Branigan, Acting County Librarian added that a responsive library can support rural communities to address the current challenges faced, provide supports for economic recovery, and aid the revitalisation and regeneration of towns and villages to improve community development and quality of life.
