Dublin will get a new library and the days of the old one in ILAC Centre are numbered. The new location will be on Parnell Square just next to the Hugh Lane Gallery and the final plans have been submitted to An Bord Pleanala. If all goes according to plan, the library will be finished in 2023.
It is a big project, for which 5 (not so nice) Georgian Buildings will get sacrificed. The former Colaiste Mhuire is part of the buildings that will be redeveloped (or replaced). There are some interesting pictures of the new library in the article in TheJournal.ie here. It looks very pretty and impressive, but that also raises a big question: Does a new library have to look pretty? Or should functionality not take priority?
Have a look at the third picture that shows MASSIVE, not I am talking about M A S S I V E concrete pillars inside the building and a LOT of empty and unusable space. the few little book shelves. I would have the distribution to be the other way around.
Is it expensive, I hear you asking? How does 100 mio sound to you? Lot of concrete, you know! ;-) Dublin City says they will have to pay not more than 45 mio and will magically get the rest from philanthropy.
