COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

MOTION NO. 11

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

Cathaoirleach's Business

"Given that it is a long held policy of this Council to provide a Digital Hub for the Palmerstown Community, this committee requests that they bring forward for discussion at the earliest possible opportunity details of what a Digital Hub should consist of, the approximate space required for a Digital Hub and the approximate cost of providing such a space, and finally the cost of fitting it out."

REPORT:

Once a suitable site for a digital hub has been acquired the concept that is envisaged is that the facility will provide a range of electronic services along with a selected range of our other library services. There will be a limited selection of popular books as well as CD's and DVD's. The exact balance will be decided when the size of any acquired location has been finalized. The digital hub will be a place that people will go to for information and to gain new skills. The facility will offer library and lifelong learning facilities. It will become a focus for the local community. The digital hub will enable access to e-government services, a wide range of reference materials and on-line sites. There will be a facility to download e-books and e-audio, self service will be installed, WiFi, on-line magazines and newspapers. The space will be flexible to adapt to evolving needs. Because of the changing pace in ICT and library services it is difficult to give a definitive list at this stage.

Libraries and adult education often provide the only realistic route back into formal education for many people. In addition to supporting the learning that goes on in schools and colleges, such facilities play a vital social role in providing places where people can come together and enjoy themselves. There will be areas for language learning and IT training as well as for holding small events.

It is important that this facility serves not just as a provider of services but that it involves the community in its activities. The vision would be that users could take part in courses, use the ICT facilities, come in and browse through the books or take out a DVD. There will be many ways to engage with the digital hub.

The size and cost of such a hub can only be estimated at this stage as any opportunity will need to be looked at. However it should be in the area of around 150sq meters.

Cost would also be difficult to put a figure on without knowing the size of any potential area for the digital hub and whether it was an existing building or a new building.