Work underway on new Edenderry library and arts centre

An official ceremony to start work on a new community library and arts centre in Edenderry has taken place.

Yesterday (Thursday) Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary turned the sod on a major redevelopment of the former derelict Tesco site in Edenderry town centre.

The Edenderry project, which has received €15m million under his Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, delivers on a plan to transform the town and enhance its vibrancy and enable people to live and work in a high-quality environment.

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

It will deliver new pedestrian and cycle connections and improve the public realm and parking facilities within 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 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.”