COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM / TEMPLEOGUE / FIRHOUSE / BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, January 09, 2024

QUESTION NO.4

QUESTION: Councillor L. Hagin Meade

To outline the 3D printing and makerspace opportunities in Ballyroan and Castletymon libraries.

REPLY:

Ballyroan and Castletymon libraries have 3D printers.  There are two in Ballyroan. The printers work using a plastic filament instead of ink and build up a shape, layer by layer. Adults and children can request printing services. Designs are emailed to the library for printing. Staff regularly demonstrate how the printer works. This is also a part of all our school visits.

Each library also has a heat press which allows us to print designs on to t-shirts, Tote bags, mugs & water bottles. This is achieved through the use of a sublimation printer which allows us to print on a special type of paper which can transfer the ink to a suitable material.

Both libraries have a badge maker.

There is a vinyl cutter in Ballyroan library which can produce materials that can be transferred to a t-shirt or to adhesive vinyl for the creation of stickers, banners or signs.

Castletymon library has music equipment including a digital piano that is permanently in place on the library floor.

Makerspace equipment is used regularly by staff in creative workshops. Other resources used can include snap circuits, lego and engino sets which help children and teenagers develop their design and engineering skills.

A full and varied programme of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) events is organised across the library service. Events are offered to schools and as after school activities.