Two new western building projects have come to fruition with news that the Irish Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan has officially opened both a new fire station as well as a new branch library in Ballymote, Co Sligo.

The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government invested almost € 2m in the two projects as part of the Government's continuing investment in local facilities around the country.

The Minister said: "This double investment in a modern fire station and public library will be warmly welcomed in Ballymote. It highlights the Government's continuing commitment to working in partnership with the local authority sector.

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"This modern fire station will safeguard communities here in Ballymote and its hinterland by further strengthening the capacity of the fire service in Sligo. In addition, the branch library will constitute a great resource for the town and will provide a first class library service to the community from a modern and fully equipped building," he said.

The new two-bay fire station which will include a drill tower, training yard, lecture room, changing facilities and wash rooms will greatly improve the facilities for those working in the fire service.

Finally, the Minister thanked all those involved in bringing the two new projects to fruition and wished the fire and library service well in their respective new premises.

Ballymote Community Library, with over 3,000 sq. ft. of space, will be a major addition to the infrastructure and cultural facilities available to the thriving community of Ballymote and will also act as a key link in the network of Branch Libraries in County Sligo.

The library will house some 16,000 volumes, covering all interests: juvenile and young adult; adult fiction and non-fiction; Irish language; reference; large print and audiovisual material.

This contemporary building will provide up to date library facilities for the people of Ballymote and reflects the Government’s commitment to investing in the public library service.

(BMcC/GK)