Sod turned on new Offaly community library and arts base
The sod has been turned on a €15 million landmark town centre regeneration project in Edenderry in north Offaly.
Offaly County Council marked the official sod-turning of the new Edenderry Community Library and Arts Base on 18 June, a landmark town centre regeneration project, with Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, in attendance.
The ceremony signals the commencement of construction on this landmark town centre regeneration project at 33/34 JKL Street, the former Tesco Supermarket site. It follows the contract signing on 3rd June with Bretland Construction Ltd., a locally based Edenderry company.
The project represents a major investment in Edenderry, supported by funding of €12.2 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), alongside match funding of €3 million from Offaly County Council, demonstrating a strong partnership approach to regional and town centre renewal.
This flagship regeneration project will deliver a state-of-the-art Community Library and Arts Space of approximately 1,800 square metres, featuring dedicated children’s, teen and adult library areas, study spaces, meeting rooms, a sensory space, artist studios, and flexible facilities for cultural and community programming.
The development also extends beyond the building itself, incorporating outdoor programming areas, biodiversity-focused landscaping, accessible parking, and a new urban plaza. A key element of the scheme is the creation of a new pedestrian and cycle connection linking JKL Street to Blundell Avenue, strengthening connectivity across the town.
Speaking at the sod-turning, Minister Calleary said: “The RRDF programme is our flagship funding mechanism in the department and its investments, such as this here in Edenderry, is helping unlock the enormous potential in rural Ireland, supporting regeneration and, in doing so, is making rural Ireland a better place to live, work, invest and visit.
“I look forward to following the development of this new library and arts space, and the wider town centre regeneration, and I am excited to see it serve both local communities and visitors for generations to come”
Leas - Chathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Frank Moran, stated: “Signing the contract and turning the sod marks the clear transition from planning to delivery. This is a substantial investment that will have a lasting impact on Edenderry’s future. The new Community Library and Arts Base will establish a vibrant cultural hub and significantly enhance the town’s attractiveness as a place to live, work and visit.”
Deputy Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Ann Dillon, described the project as a key element of the Council’s long-term regeneration strategy: “Today represents both the culmination of extensive planning and the beginning of delivery. This development is about more than a single building — it is about unlocking the wider potential of Edenderry town centre and reinforcing confidence in the town as a place to live, work and invest.”
“By progressing projects of this scale, we are continuing our commitment to regeneration-led development that strengthens communities, supports growth and delivers lasting social, cultural and economic benefits.”
The development is supported by significant investment under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), with funding of over €12 million from the Department alongside match funding from Offaly County Council, reflecting a strong partnership approach to regional development.
The new 1,800 sq. metre facility will provide modern, inclusive and accessible spaces for all ages, including dedicated children’s, teen and adult library areas, study spaces, meeting rooms, a sensory space, artist studios and flexible areas for community and cultural programming.
Offaly County Librarian, Eimear McGinn, welcomed the commencement of construction, noting that the new facility will significantly enhance library and cultural services in the Edenderry area, offering high-quality amenities, digital access, and a vibrant programme of events for the community.
The project builds on recent regeneration progress in Edenderry, including the development of the eHive, O’Connell Square public realm works, and Blundell Avenue, and will play a central role in the continued revitalisation of the town centre.
Construction is now underway, with the new Community Library and Arts Base set to become a key civic and cultural hub for Edenderry for generations to come.