Ciarán Cuffe TD welcomed news that funding has been made available for a new library in the heart of Dún Laoghaire.

"The funding announcement by my colleague, Minister for the Environment John Gormley, for the new Central Library in Dún Laoghaire is a major boost for the town. Modern, well-resourced public amenities are key to get Dún Laoghaire town thriving again: this library is part of that"

“In 2008 alone, there were more than 16 million visits to libraries in Ireland. The location of the library in the heart of the town will increase footfall to local businesses and improve the civic character of the area"

“The funding for this year will be €500,000, and the funding for 2011 will be a massively increased €1.3 million. I am also particularly happy to note that the library will include modern IT facilities, meeting rooms, a children’s library and a cultural centre.”

The funding was announced under the Library Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. All funding is subject to the public finances situation. The library will be located in Moran Park, Dún Laoghaire.