Construction of new Tipperary library gets underway following Ministerial visit

Minister of State for Community Development, Charities and Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD visited Cahir this week to officially start the construction works on the new Cahir Library at the Craft Granary.

Minister Buttimer ceremonially launched the project by wielding a sledgehammer to break through the first internal wall, symbolising the start of the alteration works for the new Library.

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Tipperary County Council has received funding of €1.7 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for this landmark project.

Although the Craft Granary Building is almost two hundred years old, it will be transformed into a modern, highly energy efficient and sustainable building.

These works will be overseen by Robin Lee Architecture, the project Architect and Mulcahy Construction, the construction company who will carry out all building works.

The new Library will be the first in County Tipperary to provide a suite of new technology solutions to the public.

These include a Podcasting Room, a dedicated Makerspace room which has technologies such as Robotics and 3D Printing. In addition, the Library will have a meeting room, Gallery Space and Sensory Room.

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Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer said: “I am delighted to be here today to officially start works on this phase of the Cahir Town Centre project, which will see the refurbishment of this historic Granary building to house a new and modern library building in the heart of Cahir. This project phase will bring us a step closer to completing the "Activating Cahir’s Town Centre Regeneration Strategy" project, which has been funded by my department to the tune of €13 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Investing in ambitious and strategic large-scale projects like Cahir will have a transformative impact in our rural communities across Ireland and help in attracting people back to live and work in rural areas.”

Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Cllr John Carroll said: "The Library Service in County Tipperary has been in existence for almost a century and has always looked to adapt and change to meet the needs of our citizens. I am delighted that this wonderful building in the heart of Cahir will undergo such a positive transformation. I know this new Library will be a very positive development for the town of Cahir.”

Cathaoirleach of the Thurles Municipal District, Cllr Roger Kennedy said: "I am delighted to see such a significant investment in a Library for Cahir. I believe it demonstrates Tipperary County Council's commitment to providing the best possible public services and infrastructure for our citizens."

The Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council, Sinead Carr stated: “This project marks the start of a transformative investment in the town of Cahir. The new library in Cahir will embody the modern vision of what a library should be—a welcoming, high-quality community space open to all.”