CLARE County Council have announced that construction of the new Clare County Library will begin early next year.
“Subject to Department approval it is anticipated the construction will commence in Quarter One of 2019,” a spokesperson for Clare County Council said.
Stage three approval to proceed to tender was issued for the €8.6 million development earlier in the summer.
The design team led by Keith Williams Architects are preparing the tender documents with a view to going to tender on this project in September 2018.
The new library will be constructed on the site of the glor theatre in Ennis and will replace the current DeValera library on Harmony Row.
The new building will contain the new public library, as well as a gallery space and office space.
It will vary in height from one storey to three stories and will cover over 2000 square metres.
The new building will seek to retain as much parking as possible, with 97 spaces planned for the development.
The public library section of the building will be spread over two floors, with the County Library administrative section on the floor above.
The ground floor will be used for the more noise friendly activities such as the public lending section and the children’s library, while the upper floor will be more conducive to quiet, contemplative study.
The overall theme of the library will be openness and light, with the design reflecting as much light as possible.
