Council gives green light for new Library and Arts base on derelict site in Offaly

Offaly County Council gave the green light for the construction of a new Library and Arts base in Edenderry during its January monthly meeting.

Cllr Noel Cribbin said it was “a great day for Edenderry” and the new library will be a “fantastic facility.”

Cllr Cribbin said he was very impressed with the design of the proposed building. “I wouldn't be surprised if it wins awards, the design is that good.

“This will be a major boost for Edenderry. You know, we don't even have a hotel. We used to, many years ago. In terms of morale, this new library and arts base will be a big shot in the arm.”

Cllr Cribbin praised the Town Regeneration Officer for Offaly Co Co Olwen Cummins for her hard work on the project. “This is a very positive day for Edenderry, Offaly and the young people of the area. This wonderful facility will be used by many thousands over the coming years,” he remarked. “I am very proud to propose that this project, in its Part 8 phase, goes ahead today.”

Cllr John Foley seconded. Cllr Foley said a lot of hard work had been invested in the project by the Council executive and the councillors over the last five years.

The Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney said several years of work have gone into getting the project to this stage. “The project will enhance what is effectively a derelict site on JKL Street. We look forward to turning the sod on the project in the near future.”

In her official Part 8 report on the project the Chief Executive outlined the “nature and extent of the proposed development and its principal features.”

The report said the location is the former Tesco Site, 33-34 JKL Street. The report gave the following description of the site: “The site for the new community library and arts base is a long North to South plot of the former Tesco supermarket, located on the south side of JKL Street, immediately to the east of the AIB bank building, which is a Protected Structure. The former Tesco supermarket has now been demolished leaving an empty site. The site is partly bounded by a property at no. 35 JKL Street which is a protected structure. To the north east of the site is the detached and prominent Town Hall, (the former Market House), a Protected Structure which is surrounded on 4 sides by largely intact street terraces. Further to the west, on the same side of the street as the AIB bank, is the Bank of Ireland building, also a Protected Structure.

“The development will consist of the construction of a new two storey Community Library and Arts Base, adjacent to the AIB bank, no.32 JKL St. (a Protected Structure), of 1,803sqm which includes; Adult, Teen and Children's Library, Multipurpose Space and Artists Studios as well as ancillary support spaces such as library meeting rooms, wet workshop etc.

“The proposed development is consistent with the policies and objectives of the Edenderry Local Area Plan 2023-2029, as follows:

“Progress the development of a new modern Community Library and facility at JKL Street Edenderry in line with the National Library Capital Programme and Offaly Libraries Interim Development Plan 2022 – 2023 and to provide enhanced access to services for the public, including, flexible spaces for meeting and learning, expanded digital services and access during unstaffed times using smart technology and use as a multipurpose space for creative artists in the visual, performing and digital arts.

“Facilitate the development of a cultural strategy that seeks to capitalise on the cultural opportunities in the town that can be developed and promoted for the local economic benefit of the town and to contribute positively to the local community and ensure activity during the day and into the evening.”

Interestingly, her report said the archaeological test excavations at the proposed development at 32-34 JKL St revealed traces of occupation that relate to the early modern period (1700 onwards). “It is recommended that all groundworks associated with the proposed development be monitored by a suitably qualified archaeologist and that the surviving remains of any 18th century features including those identified during test trenching be fully investigated and recorded. With regards to the remains of any 19th Century buildings; these should be cleaned back by mechanical excavator with a flat bladed bucket under archaeological supervision. The walls or wall-footings should be photographed and recorded using GPS in order to ensure that there is a full record of the building footprint and layout to supplement and enhance the existing record from historic mapping and surviving architectural drawings.

“It is considered that the proposed development is in keeping with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. It is recommended to the Elected Members that the proposed development should be proceeded with in accordance with the plans and particulars placed on public display from the 18th October to 30th November 2023.”s