New state of the art Library and Enterprise Centre opened in Tipperary

Minister Heather Humphreys yesterday officially opened the new Library and Enterprise Centre for Templemore. 

The new Library is the first in County Tipperary to provide a suite of new technology solutions to the public. These include a dedicated Makerspace room which has technologies such as Robotics and 3D Printing. There is be a glazed reading area for both adults and children which offers a view directly into the Library. 

Tipperary County Council has also invested heavily in a brand-new book stock for the Library with a particular emphasis on Children's stock. There are over 15,000 new books on the Library Shelves.

The Building also offers two enterprise rooms which are available to rent. These spaces will be available for both start-ups, looking for a supportive community and a space to work, and remote workers who want to separate home from work. There is a dedicated high-speed Wi-Fi network available as well as a shared meeting room. 

The building also includes a meeting room for Templemore Community Development Association who have collaborated with Tipperary County Council on this project. The support of the Templemore Community Development Association was a major contributing factor in RRDF funding being received for this project.

There is a new paved plaza area which surrounds the building. This new streetscape will be available for public performances and community events and will be a high-quality enhancement of the streetscape of the town. 

Although the Templemore Town Hall is over two hundred years old, it has been transformed into  a modern, highly energy efficient  and sustainable building. These works have been overseen by EML, the project design team and LeeTherm, the construction company who carried out all works.

The landmark project received funding of €3 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). An additional investment of €1 million was provided by Tipperary County Council.

Cathaoirleach of the Thurles Municipal District, Cllr Michael Smith said "It is a day of pride to see such a significant investment in a Library for Templemore. I believe it demonstrates Tipperary County Council's commitment to providing the best possible public services for our citizens."

Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council,  Cllr Declan Burgess said "We are proud of the strong tradition of our Library Service in Tipperary and I am delighted that this wonderful building in the heart of Templemore has undergone such a positive transformation. I know this new Library will provide an environment of creativity and inspiration for the citizens of Templemore". 

The Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council, Sinead Carr stated "The Library Service is one of our longest established and best used cultural facilities.  This new Library in Templemore embraces the modern concept of what a library should be which is a high-quality community space where all are welcome. I am delighted to see the Templemore Town Hall being repurposed into such a positive Cultural facility".