Edenderry receives massive funding for new library

EDENDERRY has been boosted by the allocation of €12.2m worth of funding from the Government.

The news that a new Community Library and Arts Base in Edenderry has received funding as part of the regeneration of the town centre has been warmly welcomed by Minister Pippa Hackett and Cllr Mark Hackett as another vital measure in the town’s future development.

Following the announcement of €12.2m in Rural Regeneration and Development Fund monies towards the Community Library and Arts Space, Minister Hackett said: “We all remember the derelict Tesco site in the centre of town, which stood there for what feels like a generation, including all through the lifespan of the Celtic Tiger.

“Due to the prominence of the location, it was a visible weight on the shoulders of a community working tirelessly to move into the future and create a thriving town for everyone living in the area.”

The Green Party minister added: “It’s really significant that this town centre area will now be developed. This funding boost comes hot on the heels of the opening of Phase 2 of the inner relief road, and is part of this Government’s commitment to revitalising the town centre and reclaim it for people to live, work, learn and play.”

The minister's husband, Cllr Mark Hackett said: “Today’s news is fantastic for Edenderry and the greater area. We are moving from ‘rundown’ and to ‘regenerated’ and this, together with the relief road is only the start of the new Edenderry.”

Cllr Hackett, who is currently campaigning to retain his seat on Offaly County Council in the Edenderry Electoral Area added: “We have a once in a generation opportunity now to prioritise people over cars. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it was normal and safe for our children to walk or cycle to the library, to the swimming pool which we must ensure is built, and to school? Well done to all in Offaly County Council, and to Ms. Sharon Kennedy, who has since moved on, for all the work on the Community Library. An announcement like today’s comes after many years of preparation. It shows what is possible and I have a great feeling of optimism and confidence for the future of Edenderry, and look forward to doing everything I can to get behind that mission.”