Council signs contract for new eco-friendly mobile library

A NEW eco-friendly mobile library is coming to Kildare, following a deal between Kildare County Council and Cahill Truck Bodies, which will see library services stretch out into rural communities in the county.

Based in Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny, Cahill Truck Bodies will be constructing a brand new mobile library vehicle.

The custom-built vehicle will feature full wheelchair accessibility and is designed with climate action and sustainability in mind. Key features include energy-efficient LED lighting, PV solar panels on the roof, and will operate on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Speaking after the signing, Gillian Allen, County Librarian, Kildare County Council said: 

“We are delighted to announce that we have entered into a contract with Cahill Truck Bodies to build a new mobile library vehicle.” 

“This will serve our rural communities and primary schools. As we as running on HVO with low carbon emissions and using Solar Power it will provide WiFi and a public printing service to remote areas.” 

This project is part funded by a grant from Department of Rural, Community Development and the Gaeltacht as well as Project Ireland 2040 under the Library Capital Programme 2023-2027.