Milestone For Local Government Services In West Limerick

Complemented by the provision of a fully serviced Branch Library and dedicated Arts Centre, the modern new EUR3m Area Office building forms part of the County Council’s ongoing efforts to provide services that are immediately accessible to members of the public throughout Limerick.

Àras Seán Finn replaces the original Area Office on the New Line Road, which was badly damaged by fire in August 2003, and will provide a range of engineering and administrative services to the Rathkeale Electoral Area.

According to Cllr. Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, "The range and extent of facilities provided in this modern and spacious building enable the Council to provide a more comprehensive service than ever before. I have no doubt that these excellent facilities, will be much used and appreciated by the people of Rathkeale and the West Limerick Area."

The Cathaoirleach complimented Elliott, Maguire, Landers Architects and Brian McCarthy Contractors Ltd. for delivering the project.

Local Councillor John Griffin, who is scheduled to resign from the County Council at the end of February, officially opened the new Headquarters today.

Cllr. Griffin said, "As an elected representative of the Rathkeale Electoral Area for almost 30 years, I have been aware of the community’s desire for an expansive range of council services to be provided at a local level. I am delighted that such services have now been put in place especially as I prepare to retire from County Hall in March."

"The naming of this building after Rathkeale’s Seán Finn bears added personal significance as my father, also named John, was a member of Brigadier Comdt Finn's West Limerick Brigade during the War of Independence", added the Councillor.


Mr. Ned Gleeson, Limerick County Manager, expressed optimism that the new Rathkeale Area Headquarters would help establish the town as an important centre of activity for the West Limerick area.

He explained, "Rathkeale and surrounding towns and villages have experienced unprecedented growth in recent years. It is important, therefore, that such growth is matched by the expansion and delivery of improved Local Government services. Limerick County Council, with assistance from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, is delighted to be able to provide such services to the people of West Limerick."

Commenting on the provision of arts facilities and a full-time library service, Mr. Damien Brady, County Librarian, Limerick County Council, stated, "The County’s 26th Branch Library allows the Council to provide a more comprehensive service than ever before. The innovative new Arts Centre, meanwhile, will facilitate and encourage the region’s many and varied artists, as well as arts groups and organisations."

In addition to a stock of thousands of books for all age groups, the new Rathkeale library will hold CDs and DVDs, daily newspapers, periodicals, magazines, foreign language fiction, audio books and large print books. Facilities on offer will include free public Internet access, a request service at www.borrowbooks.ie, ample study space and extended opening hours to accommodate students.

Mr. Brady added, "We are also launching the first set of digital books in our service for adults and children in this branch. These are pre-loaded audio books are compact and portable – just plug in the earphones and away you go. In every sense they represent the union of technology with literature and are deemed an ideal format for the 21st century. We hope that teenagers and children will grasp this format with ease."

Meanwhile, Mr. Brady confirmed that the wheelchair accessible library will take part in the County Library Services extensive programme of activities during 2008, including the Bealtaine Festival in May and Children’s Book Festival in October.

"We hope the Branch Library and Arts Centre will be central to the life of the local community and will become cherished facilities for the people of West Limerick", added the County Librarian.

The main function of the Rathkeale Area Headquarters is to administer work programmes such as road maintenance and improvement, housing and housing grants, water services, customer services, and planning reporting and enforcement. The Office also hosts Committee meetings of Rathkeale Electoral Area Councillors.

The geographical area covered by the service extends from the Ferry Bridge on the eastern side to Glin on the West. It includes towns and villages such as Glin, Loghill, Foynes, Askeaton, Pallaskenry, Kildimo, Rathkeale, Ballingarry, Shanagolden and Carrigkerry.

For more on Limerick County Council log on to www.lcc.ie.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:
- To arrange an interview please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com.
- High-resolution images taken during today’s official opening are available on request. Contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com