Council approves plans for major new library and arts base

Offaly County Council is to move forward with its plans to develop the former Tesco site at 33-34 JKL Street, next to the AIB Bank branch into an €11.5m Edenderry community library and arts base.

At last Monday's of Offaly County Council, Cllr Noel Cribbin proposed that the plans to develop a community library in the centre of Edenderry go ahead. He said that he was “very proud” to propose that the plans progress. The Fine Gael councillor said that it was a “big day” for Edenderry and that it was a long time coming.”

“I'd say that this building will win awards in time to come. It's absolutely fantastic,” Cllr Cribbin said, adding that it was “a big project to take on” and that it was “so badly needed in Edenderry”.

With no hotel or community centre in the town, they would have one building that will “incorporate all that was so badly needed”.

Cllr John Foley added that it was a “great project” and seconded that it go ahead.

Chief Executive of Offaly County Council Ann Marie Delaney said: “It's great to see this moving forward and I just want to acknowledge the work of all on this and I think just in terms of the members support on this as well, it's much appreciated.

“We look forward now, hopefully, moving forward getting the RDF (Rural Regeneration and Development) application and funding and turning this out in due course to get the building started.”

A total of nine public submissions were received during the public consultation period for Edenderry library as part of the Part 8 planning process for local authority projects.

A number of submissions were made concerning the lack of a designated car park for the new library. The Chief Executive said in her report that that there were clear mitigating circumstances that significantly reduce the need for parking on site. Parking and vehicular traffic on the site has been minimised to facilitate a safe and attractive pedestrian and cycle friendly link between JKL Street and Blundell Avenue, and in future to connect through to Edenderry Blundell Park. The vehicular access that is permitted is limited to drop offs, disabled badge holders, fire tender access and delivery and maintenance vehicles.

Another submission was made asking whether a facility where local history/interests could be showcased in a permanent public display.

In response, the Chief Executive said that digital memory exhibitions as opposed to permanent physical displays will be considered as part of the historical/creative programme offered by the Library Service, as programme schedules allow. Digital noticeboards will also be considered as part of the information and education support functions offered by the library.

Another query asked for a further explanation on the Changing Places facility along with the wet workshop. The Changing Places W/C is designed as a completely accessible space for people who are unable to use the toilet independently. Equipment will include a toilet, hoist, basin and adult- sized changing bench. It is an extra facility along with the accessible toilets for independent use and is a requirement under the Building Regulations.

The library is due to include a new adult, teen and children's library, multi-purpose space and artist's studios as well as ancillary support spaces such as library meeting rooms. Extensive bicycle parking on site will be provided along with EV charging points for disabled parking spaces.

Disabled parking spaces will be provided inside the multi-purpose space and on JKL street in close proximity to the door of the library. There will be vehicle drop off areas located close to both entrances.

The 0.42 hectare site is also due to include the development of a new pedestrian link promenade between JKL Street and Blundell Avenue.

The site preparation and construction work involved is due to take approximately two years to complete.