Capital Building Programme
Parnell Square New City Library
This provision is for Dublin City Council’s costs in relation to the development of the new city library as part of the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter. This budget is provided to cover DCC costs including security and maintenance of the vacant Coláiste Mhuire building and maintenance of other buildings prior to redevelopment.
In July 2019 the Chief Executive informed councillors that DCC intended to assume full responsibility for the City Library Parnell Square Cultural Quarter project.
The design team were instructed to undertake a feasibility study examining the options for delivering the project on a phased basis and a decision was made to progress a de-scoped phase 1 of the project which would deliver the entire new build and a full refurbishment of House 27.
The refurbishment of the remaining seven Georgian Houses and the public Realm have been deferred with the exception of works required to access the new building and certain protective works. The intention is to complete the work to the Georgian Houses and the plaza at a later stage.
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. The budget has funded roof repairs at Raheny and Rathmines, significant fire safety works at Ballyfermot and Walkinstown libraries, and a painting programme for Ringsend, Phibsboro and Drumcondra.
The painting programme will continue throughout the next 3 years.
The Central Library has been repainted as part of a wider redecoration, including changes in layout and new shelving throughout.
2022 will see the full refurbishment of Raheny library, with new ceiling, LED lighting, painting, flooring and shelving, which will nicely mark the library’s 50th anniversary since opening.
New gardens are planned for Walkinstown and Dolphin’s Barn offering expanded facilities to the library service and contributing to improvement in the public domain.
We also plan to address longstanding issues with roofs at Ballymun, Charleville Mall and Dolphin’s Barn, refurbish the garage at Ballymun Library to provide an event space, and reassess the use of basements at Pearse Street and Rathmines libraries.
Finglas Library
An amount was provided in 2015 to carry out feasibility studies regarding the future development of the existing libraries or the possibilities to relocate to new premises. Studies were completed in 2015.
The new Finglas Library will be located on Seamus Ennis Road, on the site of a former An Post sorting office, which was acquired by Dublin City Libraries in 2020. The existing building was suitable enough in design and layout to be adaptable into a modern library space. DCC is currently carrying out a tender process for the building of the new library. Public consultation took place in regard to the project, which will be a very positive addition to Finglas village. The existing library will remain in operation until the move takes place, predicted to be late 2022 or early 2023.
The Connected City (Libraries' I.T. Project)
Bringing innovative technologies to citizens in support of Learning and Information objectives will be achieved via significant citywide upgrades to the libraries information technology infrastructure. Our RFID Self-Service Kiosks were replaced in 2021.
Smart tables, digital display cameras and devices, tablets and eReaders together with extended PC provision have already provided learners with enhanced opportunities to experience and engage with contemporary digital realities.
In 2019 Libraries commenced the roll-out of Makerspaces in our branch libraries. These spaces offer library users the opportunity to create digital and physical materials using resources such as computers, 3D printers, audio and video capture tools as well as traditional arts and crafts supplies. A mobile library has been re-purposed as a mobile maker van with the aim of bringing making activities to festivals, schools and other outreach events such as the Dublin Maker faire and Dublin Start-up week. The newly refurbished Coolock Library has been equipped with a dedicated makerspace and plans are in train to offer making opportunities in Pearse Street Library and in Richmond Barracks.
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 criteria 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 not being close to 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 2023.
Terenure Library - Redevelopment
A public meeting held in Terenure Library in November 2016 was well-attended and demonstrated public interest in the future of the library services in the area. 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. Project initiation has been deferred while entitlement to freehold on the site is clarified. It is estimated that works could commence on site before the end of 2023.