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From:Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, have today (Thursday, 30 July 2026), turned the sod on the construction project for Newbridge Library, Kildare County Archives, Local Studies & Cultural Centre.

€3 million in funding has been awarded to this project from the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027, funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. This construction will incorporate the conservation and restoration of the protected former County Library building while increasing library space from approximately 550m² to 2,340m². This four-fold capacity increase will enable the delivery of modern library, cultural, archival and educational services, greatly enhancing community facilities in Newbridge.

Speaking at the sod turning today, Minister Buttimer said:

“This project will deliver a modern public library, a permanent home for County Archives and Local Studies, and major community facilities inside a landmark building in the heart of Newbridge. It stands as one of the largest library and cultural infrastructure investments currently underway in Ireland.”

“Newbridge is one of the fastest growing towns in County Kildare with a population of approximately 25,000. Enhancing our community facilities is a top priority across South Kildare.

“This project will create a vibrant Cultural Quarter and strengthen Newbridge as a centre for culture, learning, and community life. I would like to commend the Library Service and Local Authority in Kildare for their commitment and dedication to providing state-of-the-art library services across the county.”

“This project serves as an example of national and local government working together to bring lasting social, cultural and economic benefits to the community. I wish the team the very best as they build this vital new space for the community.”

National Public Library Strategy

The national public library strategy, ‘The Library is the Place’, was launched in July 2023. It is a 5-year plan for the period 2023-2027 which sets out the strategic context for further investment in library infrastructure, technology, programmes and services.

Funding of €3m for targeted Small-scale Capital Investment in public libraries was announced on 26th June 2026. This investment will support public libraries through four key measures: sensory equipment, accessibility upgrades; ICT and broadband speed enhancements; and upgrade of furniture and equipment.