Construction has begun on a €3.5 million renovation project at Skerries library.

Work will take place to refurbish and extend the protected structure to provide a modern library facility for the local area. This will make full use of the existing two storey library building, linking to a new large two and three storey extension at its rear.

The scheme will also accommodate multifunctional library spaces on two and three levels and will also include full upgrade of the public realm to the forecourt of Skerries Library and St. Patrick's Church.

The new library space will include, in addition to a book lending service, junior and young adult space, link to Floraville Park, study space with up to 40 desks, public PCs and printing / photocopying services, a maker space and meeting and event space.

The library building at Skerries is viewed as a building of special character and an architectural focal point. The sympathetic and complementary development of this building and extension is seen as a major resource in terms of infrastructure demands of the area.

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Speaking as Fingal County Council turned the sod on the development yesterday, 15 March, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Seána Ó Rodaigh said: "Today is a very special day for the people of Skerries and the wider community. The library has always been at the heart of our town and the substantial investment by Fingal County Council in refurbishing it is going to transform it into a welcoming, modern amenity while maintaining its important heritage. I want to thank everyone involved in getting the project to this stage. We love our libraries and the wide range of services they provide."

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive Fingal County Council commented: "The new library development at Skerries will cater for the growing development of the town and surrounding catchment areas. I am delighted to see the new library development get underway which will provide the state-of-the-art facilities to serve the growing community."

Fionnuala May, County Architect added: "The modern libraries that have been built in Fingal since its foundation have all demonstrated Architectural design of a high standard and have facilitated the development of the Library service in the County. Designed by Fingal County Architects, the new and revitalised Skerries library will be an eloquent addition to the County's portfolio of public libraries and to the public buildings of the town."