Councillor's Proposal To Turn Celbridge Library Into Family Resource Centre Shot Down By Council Officials

Thursday, 30 October 2025 15:48

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News. Got a story? Email news@kfmradio.com

Cllr Rupert Heather said he was told the library would be moved to Parochial House when the purchase of that property is complete.

Kildare County Council has ruled out changing the function of Celbridge Library - for now at least.

The council was asked to consider whether the library could be designated as a Family Resource Centre under a motion from Councillor Rupert Heather.

Cllr Heather said he was told the library would be moved to Parochial House when the purchase of that property is complete.

He said it is "no secret" that Celbridge is short of amenities and he wants to see Celbridge receive its "fair share" and wants to know what plans, if any, are in store for the library when it does move.

However, officials say that process is managed nationally by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and depends on a formal funding call and the availability of a suitable operator.

They pointed out that Leixlip Youth and Community Centre was recently designated as a Family Resource Centre - one of only five successful applicants nationwide this year.

After consulting with the library service, the council said Celbridge Library remains a busy, well-used facility, open six days a week, and that changing its function isn’t recommended, as there’s still a strong need for it to continue operating as a library.