FINE Gael councillor Adam Teskey wants to see the former Bank of Ireland building in Askeaton offered for use in the provision of library services in the West Limerick town.
Cllr Teskey pointed out at May’s Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District meeting that Limerick City and County Council has honoured its obligations with the Department of Social Protection in its two-year contract to facilitate 22 Ukrainian refugees fleeing war in their homeland.
When Ukrainian refugees were first moved into the building, owned by Limerick City and County Council, back in 2023, Cllr Teskey expressed disappointment that the former bank was being considered for temporary accommodation.
He felt at the time that there was a more suitable site elsewhere in the West Limerick town for housing.
“This is an iconic building in the town of Askeaton. It was an economic hub and I can’t turn my back on the people in the local community,” he said back in 2023.
Cllr Teskey, who is Cathaoirleach of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District, was informed by the Council at the May meeting that the upgrade of the building — completed in the last two years — has enhanced its potential as a library, after its use by the Department of Social Protection.
“However, if the building were to become available, its adaptation and fit-out as a modern public library would be subject to capital funding from the Department of Social Protection, and Rural Development and the Gaeltacht,” said Council Librarian Damien Brady.
Mr Brady pointed out that the bank site is more visible and has more prominence than the Carnegie Library in Askeaton and is also within walking distance to pre-schools, primary, and secondary schools. He described it as a well-maintained building with an open plan ground floor enabling universal access.
“It has ample area on the ground floor to accommodate modern library facilities and functions with an existing disability access ramp at the entrance door,” he added.
