‘State-of-the-art’ ICT upgrades benefit 22 Cork County libraries – O’Shea

Some 22 public libraries in in County Cork have benefited significantly from a technology investment to support local people to learn and develop digital skills, North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea has said.  

Last July funding of over €8 million was approved by Minister for Community and Rural Development, Michael Ring, to invest in technology for libraries around the country. 

Since then over €215,000 was invested in state-of-the-art ICT upgrades for 22 public libraries in Couty Cork. These include Charleville, Kanturk, Millstreet, Mallow, Ballincollig and Macroom. 

Libraries in County Cork received the following equipment as a result of this funding:

Cllr. O’Shea said: “It’s wonderful to see that the investment in our libraries that was approved last summer is bearing fruit for local library users in County Cork.  

“The new technology and facilities will enhance public libraries in County Cork and the new innovative services they provide. 

“Our libraries are about much more than borrowing books. Increasingly, they serve as community hubs and as somewhere where people can learn and develop digital skills. We are transforming our libraries through investments like this and it’s great to see the impact it’s having.  

“Fine Gael will continue looking at ways to support further investment in our library service. I would like to thank the library staff for their ongoing commitment, passion and enthusiasm and support to the public library service.” 

Minister Michael Ring said: “The transformation of the digital services in libraries is another step towards realising the aims of the public library strategy Our Public Libraries 2022 – Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities which was launched in 2018. The strategy focuses on removing barriers to access and improving accessibility for all.”