No clear timeframe for Athlone library projects
Two major initiatives planned for the Aidan Heavey Library in Athlone have yet to get underway.
Westmeath County Council has confirmed there has been a delay in a plan to commence the My Open Library project in Athlone.
My Open Library involves the provision of unstaffed, self-service libraries from 8am-10pm, seven days a week. The service was first mooted for Athlone back in 2022.
In response to a question from Cllr Aengus O'Rourke recently, Westmeath County Council said work is ongoing to progress the My Open Library concept in Athlone. However, the council described the project as “complex”
It said the integration of the My Open Library into the existing library has an impact on the fire certification for the entire civic centre.
“There is also a requirement to replace the existing platform lift which no longer complies with safety requirements through the modification of the existing lift shaft and installation of a new platform lift. Tender documents for the proposed works are currently being prepared,” it told Cllr O'Rourke, in a written reply.
A planned feasibility study into the possible upgrading of the Aidan Heavey Library has also yet to get underway.
Cllr O'Rourke had asked what funding opportunities had been availed of in the past two years to advance the understanding to “undertake the feasibility study to extend/upgrade/ refurbish the Aidan Heavey Library as agreed previously”.
The council said it is currently progressing three capital projects in the library service for which funding is in place and resources are currently directed towards the delivery of these projects, comprising the refurbishment of Kilbeggan Library and installation of My Open Library, the development of Kinnegad Community Library (including My Open Library) and Education and Training Centre and the Athlone My Open Library plan.
It said it would “continue to review opportunities to carry out a feasibility study over the period of the Westmeath Library Development Plan 2024 – 2028”.