New Library with a dedicated sensory space, teen area, music & creative room opens in Ballyogan

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is delighted to announce the official opening of the new Ballyogan Library at the Samuel Beckett Civic Campus. This state-of-the-art library, spanning 1,300 square metres over two floors, is a welcoming space for the entire community to enjoy and is the first library in the County with a dedicated sensory space, dedicated teen area, music studio and creative room.

Councillor Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, was joined by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, to officially unveil this fantastic new facility.  With an anticipated 169,000 visitors a year, the new Ballyogan Library will be a valuable addition to the nearly one million visitors to our existing eight library branches. This new library is part of a wider library capital programme, with a new library for Stillorgan currently under construction.

"We are thrilled to open the doors of the new Ballyogan Library to the community," said Councillor Jim O'Leary, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. 

"This new library has been designed with the input of the local residents, and we are excited to offer a space that caters to the diverse needs and interests of our community.  As the fastest-growing area in the county, Ballyogan Library is a vital resource for the community. The amenities and services offered at this library will enrich the lives of residents and contribute to the community's cultural and educational development."

The library features a dedicated teen area, cubbie sensory hub, events space, music studio, creative room, and accessible services, making it a hub for learning, creativity, and relaxation. With a young and diverse population, including a number of schools in the immediate vicinity, the library is expected to become a vital resource for the community. The presence of Gaelscoil Sliaibh Rua students and children from the Ballyogan FRC at the opening demonstrates the community's excitement to explore the new facility.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council commented:

“The new Ballyogan Library exemplifies our commitment to providing cultural, community, and sporting facilities to areas in need, aligning with the aspirations of the new Corporate Plan. Located in a community building, the library offers shared services and convenient access to public transportation such as the Luas. This marks the ninth library to open in the county and will significantly benefit the rapidly growing area. Our sincere thanks and congratulations to our teams and partners who have worked on and supported this project."

The new Ballyogan Library is a welcoming space designed with the community in mind. Featuring age-friendly and accessible areas, a changing places toilet, lift access to quiet study spaces, sensory spaces, and facilities for young families, the library aims to create sustainable communities."

Engagement with the community was a cornerstone of the library's development, ensuring that the design and layout meet the needs of local residents. With brand new books, DVDs, study spaces, internet access, and a range of online resources, Ballyogan Library truly has something for everyone. Initially operating from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm, Ballyogan Library plans to extend its hours soon. This new library is part of the ongoing development of the Samuel Beckett Civic Campus, with plans for a swimming pool, sports hall, gym, and other sporting facilities in the next phase of the project.

Officially opening the new library, Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht said;

“I’m delighted to officially open Ireland’s newest library facility in Ballyogan. Investing in our library service is a key priority for me as Minister and goes to the heart of our public library strategy. I want to pay tribute to the library staff, council officials and the community who have worked together on this to make it happen. I am also delighted my Department has been able to support this project with an overall investment of €450,000 under the Libraries Capital Programme. The facilities here are nothing short of top class with an impressive culture space for performances, a dedicated studio for podcasts and music and a dedicated teen space."

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council would like to acknowledge the support from the Department of Rural and Community Development to fund some of the fit-out of Ballyogan Library.