Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
785. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on works (details supplied) under the small-scale capital works programme; the timeline for these works; when they are expected to conclude; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24251/22]
View answerIn September 2020, my Department approved funding of €60,000 for Roscommon County Council for a Small Scale Capital Works Programme project in Ballaghaderreen Library. This funding will support an ambitious and transformative programme of works including the relocation of the children's area into its own dedicated space and the creation of a new dedicated space for young adults/teenagers.
Subsequently, in March 2021 Roscommon County Council approached my Department with a proposal to install the My Open Library service in Ballaghaderreen Library while it was closed to the public pending the improvement works. My Department recognised this as being a very practical and cost-efficient approach and l was delighted to approve funding of €95,250 in July 2021 for the installation of the My Open Library service in Ballaghaderreen.
As Ballaghaderreen Library is a listed building and the work under the Small Scale Capital Works Programme includes the removal of a wall, it was necessary for the local authority to obtain a Section 57 Declaration under the Planning and Development Act 2000 prior to commencement of the work. The library authority applied for the Section 57 Declaration on 15 October 2020 and this was granted by Roscommon County Council on 7 December 2020. However, following the approval of the My Open Library funding in July 2021 the local authority were again required to obtain another Section 57 Declaration prior to commencement of the work to install the service. The library authority reapplied for the Section 57 Declaration on 19 October 2021, and on 13 January 2022 the Planning Authority in Roscommon County Council issued the Declaration with the condition attached that:
‘ All works should be carried out in accordance with the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities and Advice Series. There should also be continued expert involvement in the management and site supervision of the works using experienced and skilled workers with adequate and effective supervision’
It is now a matter for the local authority to seek the appointment of a conservation expert for the detailing and specification of the proposed works to ensure best practice in the conservation of this protected building. Roscommon County Council intend to have the conservation expert in place by the end of Q2 2022.
Subject to the appointment of the conservation expert in Q2, works on the upgrade of the library is due to commence in Q4 2022 with the reopening of the refurbished library scheduled for Q2 2023.
My Department has maintained regular engagement with the local authority on this project and while the delay is regrettable, it is important that the integrity of our heritage buildings is protected and that the works do not materially affect the character of the protected structure.
The mobile library has continued to provide a library service in the town of Ballaghaderreen. Following the monitoring of demand for the service, Roscommon County Council has now increased the service from biweekly to weekly.
