Ballyshannon library 'temporarily closed' four years not good enough!

A Donegal Electoral area (DEA) Independent candidate running in this June's Donegal county council elections, Diarmaid Doherty, has taken to task the "totally unacceptable" library services currently being provided in south Donegal and especially their reduced hours of service.

And in the case of Ballyshannon library, that currently amounts to zero hours over the past four years, he said.

"Before the covid pandemic, Ballyshannon Library was open two days a week. It has now been 'temporary closed' for four years, and despite calls and letters from the local community and local schools there is no date for it to reopen.

ABOVE: What Diarmaid Doherty says users of the library services see when they check online about Donegal Town and Ballyshannon

"In 2018 the then minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD announced a one-million-euro capital investment for Donegal Town Library. This was part of the Library Capital Investment Programme 2016-2021, to date no building work has commenced and Donegal Town Library is only open one day per week.

"Even the beautiful, modern library in Bundoran has had it’s opening hours reduced. 

ABOVE: The Ballyshannon library remains closed. Photo: Thomas Gallagher

"This is totally unacceptable, our libraries are a vital part of our community, not only to provide books, but to provide, when open, a multi-purpose social and educational space for all members of our community. 

"I would like to acknowledge the hard working, professional staff in our libraries who are always helpful and welcoming. And while I applaud the €28,730 funding for new computers and IT equipment announced for County Donegal Libraries in 2023,  if they are sitting in  closed libraries, they are of no use to anyone.

"It is my attention to lobby Donegal County Council officials and the department to address this situation as a matter of urgency."