WATCH: County Roscommon library officially reopened
Minister Dara Calleary cuts the ribbon on the newly refurbished Ballaghaderreen library.
The long awaited official reopening of Ballaghaderreen library was carried out by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary last Thursday.
Following a hiatus since Covid-19, the library has returned to its rightful home in the historic Dillon House.
Newly fitted to the library are spacious study areas for children and teenagers, free high-speed Wi-Fi and wireless printers, a fully accessible bathroom and entry/exit points, baby changing facilities, lendable tablets and a community meeting room.
Numerous other external and internal enhancements were made to Dillon House to bring the historic building up to standard for contemporary use.
Opening hours have also been increased from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round via the self-service ‘My Open Library’ scheme, the first in County Roscommon.
Speaking at Dillon House, Minister Calleary welcomed the facility’s official return to the town, “It is both an honour and a personal joy to stand here in Ballaghaderreen this evening to celebrate the reopening of this remarkable library and unveil a historic milestone for Roscommon Libraries.
“Dillon House is woven into the very fabric of Irish political and cultural history. By transforming this distinguished building into a modern, energy-efficient library, we are preserving our heritage while investing directly in the future of rural Ireland,” the minster said.
