Capital Building Programme
The City Library Project (Phase 1)
The Dublin City Library Project (Phase 1) will deliver a new 5,500 sqm City Library at Parnell Square North. The project will include a multi-purpose conference centre, spaces to meet, read and study, a café and exhibition areas.
The proposed development also includes the initial redevelopment of one of the Georgian houses at Number 27 Parnell Square West, and a new public plaza created in front of the city library buildings and the Hugh Lane Gallery.
Libraries' Programme of Works
This budget is used to assist with the maintenance of the library building network beyond the day-to-day operations provided for in the revenue budget.
In recent years, the Central Library has been repainted as part of a wider redecoration, including changes in layout and new shelving throughout.
2022 saw the full refurbishment of Raheny library, with new ceiling, LED lighting, painting, flooring, windows and shelving, which nicely marked the library’s 50th anniversary.
A new sensory garden at Walkinstown Library offers a fantastic space for local schools and community to enjoy.
Finglas Library
The new Finglas Library opened in August 2023. It is located on Seamus Ennis Road, on the site of a former An Post sorting office.
Charleville Mall Library
Charleville Mall, Dublin City Libraries’ oldest library, located on North Strand underwent some refurbishment work in 2022 and 2023. The adult and junior spaces were painted, a new public toilet and universally accessible automated front entrance were installed. The second phase of these improvement works will begin in 2024, to include a full new roof, re-instating the original natural slate construction.
Ringsend Library
A planning application under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations was lodged for Ringsend Library on Wednesday, 29 November 2023. Information boards are available for everyone to view in Ringsend Library as part of the public consultation process. The final date for public submissions is 18 January 2024.
The plans include library refurbishment and extension, a new accessible main entrance while retaining existing entrance, and a reimagined Library Square with better pedestrian access.
Crumlin/Drimnagh - New Library
A new library serving the communities of Crumlin and Drimnagh has long been an infrastructural objective for the libraries section. A number of potential sites in the area have been identified and it is now proposed that a portion of the Ardscoil Eanna site, acquired by the council for housing, would be a suitable location.
The main consideration in selecting a site was location, with any new service having to be located within equal distance of the centres of both communities, while also being far enough from areas already served by existing libraries, i.e. Inchicore, Walkinstown and Dolphin’s Barn. Initial design work on the housing and library developments on the site has been undertaken and it is estimated that works could commence on site in 2024.
Terenure Library - Redevelopment
A report into the feasibility of redeveloping Terenure Library was carried out in 2018. Having considered the recommendations presented, it has been decided that rebuilding the library on its current site is the most advantageous option. Read more about a new library for Terenure Library.