Fine Gael Longford/Westmeath Deputy, James Bannon, has welcomed the announcement of €500,000 for the refurbishment of Granard Branch Library saying that the new facility will further enhance the facility as a civic amenity and should encourage more people to use their local library.

Mr Bannon said: "Libraries, nowadays, offer a range of services that stem far beyond lending books. People can now access the internet, learn a language or get the information they need on a range of issues at their local library.

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"Granard Library, which is housed on the ground floor of the old Market House, is set to be significantly expanded, going from 580 sqft to more than 3,000 sqft. The conversion of the entire building, which dates back to the late 18th century, will dramatically enhance the library and make it even more of a focal point of the town.

"This building also has strong historical Fine Gael connections as Kitty Kieran formerly owned the adjoining building and Michael regularly frequented the Market House, making the refurbishment particularly poignant to people like me."

(CD/MH)