Newbridge nets €1.2 million funding for new library

THERE is good news for Newbridge as €1.2 million in funding has been allocated towards the development of a new library and archive.

Many wonderful facilities are expected with the delivery of this three-storey library including a multi-purpose room, a makers space, a kids library, and adult and teen sections with a hangout spot included.

Construction is expected to start in 2026, with the library up and running by 2027, all going well.

Social Democrat county councillor Chris Pender shared this news on social media last week and credited cllr Peggy O’Dwyer for her role in pushing along the project. 

“A special shout out to cllr Peggy O’Dwyer who has been advocating for this plan just as if not sometimes more obsessively than I have.”

The third floor of the building is expected to be reserved for archival materials with special display cases that might show pieces of local history. Aside from that, there are plans for sensory pods and a space for remote working. 

Out the back, there are plans for a sensory garden which will be protected from traffic and out the front, there are plans for outdoor gaming furniture such as a chess table and table tennis. 

Cllr Pender said: “I don’t know how to describe how amazing the plans are.

"Things like this become a massive part of the community.” 

One very important addition to the library is the construction of a changing places toilet including a hoist, which will allow people with disabilities to use toilet facilities freely without the worry of finding somewhere suitable to go.

“Up until recently there were none in Newbridge. With this, people with disabilities won’t have to go home to use facilities,” explained Pender.

As for the continuation of library services in the meantime, people can expect the library to be moved to an alternative location. 

The current structure on Athgravan Road will be demolished and library services will move to Liffey Lodge which is expected to open before the end of this year.