Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys officially opened the new Castleblayney Library on Friday last. The transformative project involved the restoration of the derelict Hope Castle Gate Lodge to provide a state-of-the-art library, cultural and creative space for the community. The landmark project received funding of €3.49 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).
An additional investment of €1.38 million was provided by Monaghan County Council. Speaking to Northern Sound in relation to the opening, Minister Humphreys said she was "delighted" to officially open the Castleblayney Library project. She added that this new accessible public space, will bring "increased vibrancy" and activity in the town centre and will have significant social and economic benefits for the wider region.
Minister Humphreys also announced a new call for applications under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and encouraged people to engage with their local authorities by putting their ideas forward. "In my department we're taking old heritage buildings and giving them a new lease of life," Minister Humphreys told Northern Sound, "Of course, were also continually investing in our library facilities and I am looking forward to the the new library opening in Monaghan in the Peace Campus and just a few weeks ago, I was in Virginia as we have transformed the library there. So all in all, there's been a huge investment in our libraries.
