Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for taking this matter relating to the new library project in Ballinasloe. The public library service in Ballinasloe has suffered because the existing library building in the town, which opened in 1971, has not been satisfactory due to poor location and poor design. The physical condition of the building has deteriorated considerably in recent years and there has been no investment in it. In 2006, Ballinasloe Town Council purchased the Convent of Mercy building and the adjoining convent chapel on Society Street, Ballinasloe, with a view to Galway County Council refurbishing and developing the buildings for use as a branch library.

Stage 1 approval for this project was first given by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government back in June 2007. Both the main convent building and the chapel building date from the mid-19th century. The architects have addressed various conservation issues and the result is that a listed building will be brought back into public use through accommodating a modern public library facility. This is an important project which should be brought to fruition. Galway County Council is committed to this project. A building has been purchased and the council has invested much administrative and engineering staff time in taking the project through the various stage 1 and stage 2 phases.

In August 2011, following an application from Galway County Council, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government made ¤115,297 available, which allowed the council to engage consultants and a design team to prepare the project for Part 8 planning under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. The council engaged consultants and work proceeded on detailed design for the project. A Part 8 planning application was submitted to and approved by the town council. I am anxious that the project should receive from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government an approval to go to tender. The estimated total cost of the project is ¤3.3 million.

The library provides a valuable service to the community. It has European direct status for the next five years and it hosts many art exhibitions for individuals and community groups and a small dedicated staff provide an amazing service, despite the serious limitations of an unsuitable building. The people of Ballinasloe deserve a facility designed to meet the needs of the community in the 21st century. I appeal to the Minister and his Department to support this project by permitting it to go to tender immediately.