The development of a new county library has been the no.1 capital project for the Library service and for Clare County Council for over a decade. The location of the new development on the site of glór has as its vision the co-location of the literary arts, (new library) and the visual arts, (new art gallery) with the performing arts, (glór) on one site. The project will deliver in excess of 2,000 m2 of community space and will operate as an “Open Library” offering access to services outside of traditional opening hours. The development consists of a new county library incorporating the Local Studies Centre and Library HQ with a separate 80sqm art gallery adjacent to glór. The site within walking distance of town extends the cultural route from the Museum at town centre, to the Peace Park and on into what will be the new “cultural hub”.
European Regional Development funding of €1m towards the project was secured in 2015 with additional Exchequer funding of €3m in 2016. The design team of Keith Williams Architects have created a “landmark” building which has received planning permission and is at full tender stage. The project is “deemed” shovel ready and it is planned to be on site in January, 2019.
