€130,000 announced for local libraries

 

Almost €130,000 has been granted to local libraries in counties Cavan and Monaghan.

The announcement by Minister Michael Ring, Minister for Rural and Community Development will help facilitate upgrades to some, and new services to others.

Cavan Town's Johnston Library has been granted €14,884 for equipment to assist people with special needs.

The breakdown will see €10,800 spent on Hublet Technology, and €4,084 for Quiet Area, with Quiet Library Time.

Elsewhere, Ballybay Library will receive €95,250 for the My Open Library initiative, which allows access to public libraries on a self-service basis from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

Clones Library will meanwhile receive €12,575 for a sensory room, and Carrickmacross Library will receive €3,520 for a sensory area and wall.

In total, €691,231 will be invested in libraries across the country by the Department of Rural and Community Development, and this amount will be matched with a contribution of €220,000 from the relevant Library Authorities.

Heather Humphreys, Minister for Business, Enterprise and innovation, and Fine Gael TD for Cavan-Monaghan, welcomed the move.

“Libraries are focal points of communities throughout the country and hubs for education and work,” she said, adding: “I would like to take this opportunity to commend the staff of our local libraries on their wonderful work, which is greatly appreciated by the communities they serve.

“I have no doubt that this announcement will be welcomed by local people and families.”

Senator Joe O’Reilly also welcomed the local allocations.

Of the Johnston Library funding, he said: “This funding announcement will support the provision of sensory facilities and equipment in public libraries that can help individuals with sensory impairments, special educational needs and other learning differences, and those on the Autism spectrum.”