KILDARE: Naas library opening delayed until September
The new Naas library building is not now expected to be handed over to Kildare County Council by the contractor until August and will hopefully open to the public in September.
Naas councillors will be the first visitors invited to tour the building following the handover and as soon as the computers, furniture and stock are all installed.
A Naas Municipal District meeting was told that clock specialist Philip Stokes has completed repairs and it has been decided that the original clock mechanism will remain in situ and the clock face will be electrified - without affecting the character of the clock, or the protected structure.
The original clock mechanism may be reinstated at any stage. These works were deemed essential to avoid unnecessary daily maintenance to aid in the workings of the clock and health and safety issues relating to access.
It is hoped once the clock is back in operation that the hourly chimes can be reinstated - but the views of any nearby residents will be taken into account.
Kildare County Council official Gillian Allen said electrification was the only way the clock would continue to work because access to it represents a health and safety issue and “we don’t have the staff to do it manually.”
It will not be possible to provide a rooftop flagpole and instead flagpoles will be installed on the balcony on the first floor which can be accessed safely.
Ms Allen told a Naas Municipal District meeting that the historic Fitzgerald Banner is still in a specialist storage facility and will remain there until the building work is complete. Then a textile conservationist will. advise on how best to display the banner in the new library.
The booking of meeting rooms will depend on availability and the requirements of the groups.