Newbridge and Kildare set to gain new County Library under significant Government investment plan.
Kildare South Fine Gael TD and Minister Martin Heydon together with Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer have warmly welcomed the significant announcement of €3m towards the new Kildare County Library to be based in Newbridge. The new library will also be the new home of the Kildare County Archives and Cultural Centre. Speaking in Newbridge following the announcement today (Wednesday), Minister Heydon said, “This is a significant investment by Government into Kildare and particularly Newbridge and is a real sign of this Governments commitment to strengthening our local communities.”
“The multi-million euro allocation from the Department of Rural and Community Development confirmed by my colleague Minister Heather Humphreys today is a vote of confidence in Newbridge and highlights its place at the heart of Kildare. Having a new and enhanced County library in such close proximity to our redeveloped GAA County grounds St. Conleths Park, which was also supported by Government and is nearing completion will be a major addition to the town of Newbridge.”
“This investment is part of our efforts to revitalise and reinvigorate the historic heart of Newbridge whilst establishing a Cultural and Civic Quarter in the town. This exciting project will be supported by proposed and existing initiatives in the area including Newbridge Town Hall, the NTA’s Transport plan for the town, the Riverbank Arts Centre. Newbridge Courthouse and the Town Renewal Plan.”
The new County Library will replace the existing Newbridge Library in a landmark new development on the existing site. It will provide a central library service not just for Newbridge but for all of County Kildare. The Kildare County Library, Archives and Cultural Centre will serve the population of Kildare, affording access to the specialised Kildare Local Studies Collection, the County Archives, Genealogy Services and additional cultural space.
Concluding, Minister Heydon stated “as TD for Kildare South, and Kildare’s only Minister, I will continue to work with Government colleagues to ensure that Kildare South remains the best possible location to live, work and to rear a family. Continued investment in strategic projects such as this new library in the heart of Newrbidge is part of that plan, and I look forward to seeing work commence on this exciting project.”