Dun Laoghaire County Library and Samuel Beckett Civic Complex get go aheads

000353

Construction of the new Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Library/Arts/Culture/Community complex at Moran Park, at an estimated cost of €36.6m, has been approved by DLR County Council. The project is the outcome of an RIAI design competition, which was won by Carr Cotter Naessens Architects. The Part 8 scheme for this project was approved by the Council in November 2009. The tender process has now been completed with the award of the tender to John Sisk and Sons and vacant possession of the site secured. This major cultural addition for DLR will comprise the following facilities:

  • Major public library, which will include a dedicated children’s library, teen space, local history & reference sections and space for Council archives
  • Arts/cultural facilities including a multipurpose hall, a gallery, arts workshops & training areas and facilities for artists in residence,
  • Community meeting rooms
  • Public café and a major public plaza
  • Office accommodation for the Council’s Library HQ and Arts Office functions.

“This is by far the most significant public infrastructure development in Dún Laoghaire for over 100 years”, said the Cathaoirleach, Councillor Bailey, adding “it will make a major contribution to the regeneration of the town and to the county”.

The project was approved by Council in at its March meeting as part of its Capital Expenditure Programme of €165m over the 4 year period 2012 to 2015. Approximately €113m of the total expenditure of €165 will be funded from the Council’s own resources, with the balance of €52m coming from non-Council sources – mainly grant aid from central government Departments. The Council will not have to undertake any borrowing to fund the Capital Expenditure Programme.

samuelbeckett

Another project to have received approval by Council is Phase 1 of the Samuel Beckett Civic Complex at Ballyogan. Phase 1 of the project will consist of a community centre & childcare facility; a library/sports building; a playground; synthetic & natural grass pitches and a skate park. The Part 8 scheme for the entire development was approved by the Council in February 2010. The Library/Sports Building will initially be fitted out as a Sports Hall and can be converted into a Library at a later stage when the Council proceeds with the Swimming Pool/Sports Hall complex.