Clare County Council has signed a new contract for the construction of the new Clare County Library.
The facility is to be based in Ennis, adjacent to the glór building, and will cost an estimated €8.7 million.
The project had been paused due to the liquidation of Kilmihil-based Keating Construction, who had won the initial tender, which has now been freshly taken over by Galway-based firm Coolsivna.
Works are expected to be completed by late 2023.
Speaking at the contract signing, the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr PJ Ryan, said “This project represents an important investment in an accessible and modern library service for the people of Clare and visitors to the county.” Welcoming the recommencement of construction on site at a tendered sum of €8.7m, Council Chief Executive Pat Dowling commented on the significance of the project for all generations in the county and said he looked forward to its opening in the latter part of 2023.
Architects for the project, Keith Williams Architects, also expressed their support for the re-commencement of the project while Anne Haugh, Director of Social Development, Clare County Council, acknowledged the contribution of all involved in getting the project successfully re-tendered and back on track.
Clare County Librarian, Helen Walsh, concluded that “the long-awaited new library will bring a wonderful collaboration together on the site, unifying the literary arts with the visual and performing arts”.
