Joining Minister Dara Calleary, Leas Chathaoirleach Cllr Frank Moran and deputy chief executive Ann Dillon at the sod turning were (L-R) Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick, Cllr Claire Murray-Smale, Deputy John Clendennen, Deputy Tony McCormack, Cllr Noel Cribbin and Cllr Claire Murray.

Work begins on landmark €15m library and arts base in Edenderry

Published: Fri 26 Jun 2026, 4:12 PM

A ceremony has taken place to officially mark the start of construction on a multi-million euro community library and arts centre in the heart of Edenderry.

On Thursday last, June 18, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, turned the sod on the major redevelopment of the former derelict Tesco site at 33/34 JKL Street in Edenderry town centre.

The Edenderry project, which has received €15 million under his Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, aims to help enhance the town's vibrancy.

The works involve the redevelopment of the derelict Tesco site to provide a two-storey community library and arts base, including multipurpose space and artists’ studios, meeting rooms and other facilities.

It will also deliver new pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhancements to the public realm and parking facilities in the town.

Last month, Edenderry-based construction company Bretland was awarded the contract for the construction work.

Speaking at the sod turning, Minister Calleary said: "This is a major redevelopment that will see the revitalisation of a derelict site through the creation of a town centre asset to provide a new Community Library and Arts Base, pedestrian and cycle connections, improved public realm and parking.

"I am delighted that Offaly County Council recognise the importance of the Public Library Strategy by incorporating a modern, inclusive community library into this space.

"The Edenderry Regeneration project reflects what the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is all about, revitalising the town centre, enhancing its vibrancy and enabling people to live and work in a modern, high-quality environment."

Minister Calleary added: “The RRDF programme is our flagship funding mechanism in the department and its investments, such as this here in Edenderry, is helping unlock the enormous potential in rural Ireland, supporting regeneration and, in doing so, is making rural Ireland a better place to live, work, invest and visit.

"I look forward to following the development of this new library and arts space, and the wider town centre regeneration, and I am excited to see it serve both local communities and visitors for generations to come."

Pictured at the contract signing for the Edenderry project were (front row, L-R): Andrew Murray, Director of Services, Cllr Liam Quinn, Tony Meehan and John O’Connell, Bretland Construction, Cllr John Leahy, Cathaoirleach, Evan Fennell SEO, Eoghan Ryan, chief executive of Offaly County Council, Ann Dillion, director of services. Back row: Anne Marie McCormack and Damien Kearns, Bretland Construction, Cian Glennon, CORA Consulting Engineers, Deirdre Spring, Seán Harrington Architects, Joseph Harte, town regeneration officer, Ruth Heeney, Bretland Construction, Justin Murtagh, acting senior executive engineer, Eimear McGinn, county librarian, and Eamon Dolan, Bretland Construction.

Leas Chathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Frank Moran, said: "Signing the contract and turning the sod marks the clear transition from planning to delivery.

"This is a substantial investment that will have a lasting impact on Edenderry’s future. The new Community Library and Arts Base will establish a vibrant cultural hub and significantly enhance the town's attractiveness as a place to live, work and visit."

The deputy chief executive of Offaly County Council, Ann Dillon, described the project as a key element of the local authority's long-term regeneration strategy.

"This represents both the culmination of extensive planning and the beginning of delivery. This development is about more than a single building - it is about unlocking the wider potential of Edenderry town centre and reinforcing confidence in the town as a place to live, work and invest."

A design image showing what the new library and arts base is expected to look like.

Offaly county librarian, Eimear McGinn, also welcomed the commencement of construction, noting that the new facility would significantly enhance library and cultural services in the Edenderry area, offering high-quality amenities, digital access, and a vibrant programme of events for the community.