Minister Joe Costello & Emer Costello MEP welcome new Parnell Square Cultural Quarter & relocation of City Library

5 April 2013

by Cllr Joe Costello

 

Dublin City Council has announced the development of a new Dublin Cultural Quarter centred on Parnell Square. The development will involve the relocation of the Dublin City Library from the Ilac Centre to the site of Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square.

Minister Joe Costello said: “I welcome today’s announcement by Dublin City Council of the development of the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter. Parnell Square is a fine Georgian Square that already includes important cultural institutions such as the Hugh Lane Gallery, the Dublin Writers Museum and the Gate Theatre. However, it is in need of investment in order for it to reach its full potential.” 

“The Government is supporting this exciting development by transferring the former Coláiste Mhuire from the Office of Public Works to Dublin City Council.”

Emer Costello MEP said: “The former Coláiste Mhuire site is in the heart of Dublin and is a fabulous location for Dublin City Library. Libraries are the only way that everyone can gain free access to an almost infinite range of information and knowledge, and they play a crucial role in improving literacy. Moreover, Dublin is a city with an important literary tradition. The new library will act as a living tribute to Dublin’s literary history while supporting future generations of writers.

“I would encourage all interested Dubliners to participate in the public consultation process to ensure that this project can meet its full potential.”