GAA offers property for Belturbet library

It would take over one million euro to put a proper library facility in Belturbet according to the town Manager Kevin Reilly, and that funding is just not available at present. This was revealed at the last meeting of the town council, when Cllr. Elizabeth McDermott revealed that at the recent Rory O'Moore's GFC AGM, a discussion took place regarding the former parochial house on the green, which is now owned by the club. Some years ago development on this property was curtailed as it was deemed a listed building by Cavan County Council. "Arising from this discussion the club has suggested facilitating the new library in this building on a lease or buy option by Cavan County Council," said Cllr. McDermott. Commenting, Cllr. John Scott said that they had been informed by various members of the County Council Executive on numerous occasions that the library will be put in the Town Hall and that's where it is going to be. "That is the proper place for it in the centre of the town. Suggestions about other locations are a non-runner - that is where the money will be pumped into when it comes." Cllr. McDermott retorted that it was not written in stone that the library must remain in the Town Hall and that the Rory O'Moore's property was suitable and had good parking adjacent to it. Joining the debate, Cllr. Tony Gorby said he was at the meeting of the Rory's football club. "They are at a crossroads with the house - it is not selling and they want to know if the county council would have ideas for the house, like a new heritage centre. They would appreciate some feedback from the council on the matter." However, Cllr. Paddy Brady agreed with Cllr. Scott that the library must remain in the Town Hall building. "If the facility is moved from the Town Hall, then there will never be anything done with the Town Hall," he remarked. Cllr. Anthony Vesey reminded members that the Deputy Manager Ger Finn had told a meeting of the town council last year that there was no money to pay the engineers to design the library. "So there is little hope that there would be money to purchase any additional infrastructure, unless there is a change of plan." The Town Manager Kevin Reilly said the matter had been discussed in detail at the November meeting. "I made the point that there is a five year strategic plan getting underway and the consultation process for that plan will commence in early February. The consultation will take place in the four electoral areas in the county," he said. Mr. Reilly added that the preferred location has been the Town Hall. If as part of that planning process people want to put forward alternatives, they can feel free to do so. Cllr. Vesey said that any forum that is established in the town to look at issues including the library should be convened by the Town Council or the County Council with everybody invited to it; "not self appointed people who are not members of this body," he added. Seamus Fitzpatrick said that it would cost in the region of €1.5m to put a proper modern library facility in place and the local contribution would be in the region of €375,000. He pointed out that this was another failure in Belturbet and said that Clones, Cavan, Cootehill and Bailieboro all got proper modern library facilities. The Town Manager said the requirement for a local contribution could be as much as 50%. The chairman said they were very negative comments by Cllr. Fitzpatrick. "We have to remain positive and I firmly believe that we will get our library. It is up to us to continue to push for it. We are progressing, even though it may be slowly at present."