Local Sinn Féin Deputy, Sorca Clarke, has outlined her disappointment that there is no planned upgrade for Kilbeggan library.
“Despite the announcement of longer opening hours, I consider this to be a missed opportunity that could have positively impacted the town and its’ residents.
“The value of libraries to small towns and communities can never be underestimated and the opportunity to increase the services available to the residents who use Kilbeggan library should have been taken.
“It is recognised that students experiencing disadvantage were worst impacted by the pandemic. But the divide in reading is not just socio-economic, having access to books to spark a child’s imagination and help them to reach their full potential is the right of every child. Access to an upgraded local library would encourage all readers, young and old to find the right book for them.
“Students, young people and older people who may not have access to high-speed broadband in their homes could have utilised this service and others in their local library.
“I believe this is very short sighted of Westmeath County Council and the people of Kilbeggan have been let down by the decision not to upgrade their library,” Teachta Clarke asserted.
