COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 09, 2019

QUESTION NO. 12

QUESTION: Councillor S. Holland

"To ask the Chief Executive for an update on the installation of the Changing Places facility in the old Whitechurch library, in order to best maintain the dignity of all the service users of the various community projects based in the building? 

REPLY:

It is recognised that works are necessary and desirable to support the fully inclusive delivery of services by the Web Project at Whitechurch Library and significant funding has been allocated by the Council’s Community Services Department through the Community Initiative Fund to support the proposed installation of required facilities.

However, there are a number of issues that have delayed delivery of the completion of the works:

• Incorporating architectural and conservation concerns into the works regarding the protected structures;

• The extremely poor condition of the existing structure that has been identified as the most suitable location for the provision of Changing Places facility;

• The costs associated with the proposed works and the need for absolute confirmation and ring-fencing of matching funds from the Web Project to ensure completion of works;

• The requirement for planning permission for the works.

Finally, the responsibility for Whitchurch Library within the Council is being transferred from the Library Service to the Community Department.  Although the handover has resulted in minor delays to this project, it now provides the best platform for engagement with the Web project with a view to progressing the delivery of the works.